About this episode
Never heard of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938? It’s why there’s a minimum wage, overtime pay, and 12-year-olds can’t legally have a job. It’s also due for a 21st-century update. What would these “New Work Standards” include? Let’s start with the right to request remote work, part-time schedules, or non-traditional hours. This shift would be a game-changer for folks with disabilities, parents juggling young kids, or anyone going through tough personal times. This is also a way to grow the economy by keeping people attached to the workforce. Consider this part one of – if Kathryn has her way – a 63-part series on how to update the FLSA. Read More: Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 [U.S. Dept of Labor history page] Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau [PDF] The TurboTax Trap [ProPublica] The 988 Lifeline You can also find Optimist Economy on: TikTok YouTube Instagram Substack Support us by becoming a paid Substack newsletter subscriber or at https://buymeacoffee.com/optimisteconomy