Employment Lawyers Fighting for Workers’ Rights in New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Throughout the United States

What Is The Purpose Of Minimum Wage?

The passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 led to the adoption of a federal minimum wage in the U.S. This law is meant to protect workers from exploitation by providing them with a base minimum wage. Many employers pay their workers much more than the federal minimum wage, but it is meant to protect lower-wage workers from changes in the economy.

History of the federal minimum wage

Prior to 1938, wages that were paid to employees were allowed to fluctuate. Both Washington D.C. and Maryland attempted to enact a minimum wage, but the Supreme Court resisted their efforts because the court believed that a minimum wage would hinder the rights of people to negotiate their wages. Today, the minimum wage law’s purpose is to establish a living wage for lower-income people.

Schedule an appointment today. Call (856) 685-7420 or

Schedule an appointment today.
Call (856) 685-7420 or

During the Clinton administration, the government began allowing the individual states to establish their own minimum wages as long as they were equal to or higher than the federal minimum wage. Some states have established minimum wages under their state laws that are higher than the federal minimum. In those states, the employers must pay their workers under the higher state minimum wage laws. In New Jersey, for example, the state’s minimum wage is $8.60 per hour while the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This means that covered workers in New Jersey must be paid a minimum of $8.60 per hour since the state’s rate is higher.

Things to consider

The minimum wage helps to protect workers who might otherwise face extreme poverty. People who work in all types of jobs and who are from all types of backgrounds can expect to be paid the minimum wage. The minimum wage also helps to prevent the exploitation of workers who have few job opportunities.

Some workers are not covered by the federal minimum wage provisions of the FLSA or by New Jersey’s minimum wage law. However, a majority of workers in the state are entitled to be paid at least the state’s minimum wage. If you believe that your employer has wrongfully paid you less than the minimum wage for the hours that you have worked, you may need to get legal help. The employment lawyers at Swartz Swidler might be able to recover damages from your employer. To schedule a consultation, fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.

Most Frequently Asked Question: Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact one of our attorneys. For more information check out the FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page

Most Frequently Asked Question:
Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is contact one of our attorneys. For more information on a just a few scenarios checkout the flip box FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page.

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

 

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733