Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act

Signed into law by John F. Kennedy
August 13, 1962

The Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act requires all contractors—prime and sub—to pay laborers and mechanics performing on a federal service contract and federal and federally assisted construction contract over $100,000 1.5 times their basic rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Employers are liable to employees for these unpaid wages. The failure of a contractor to comply with this Act may also result in liability under the False Claims Act.

Enforcement & Remedies

Employees who are due unpaid wages under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act may file a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division within the U.S. Department of Labor. The DOL may then enforce the provisions of the Act against violators.