According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, how is a laborer defined?

The correct choice aligns with the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) emphasis on how laborers are classified under employment law, which involves distinguishing between employees and independent contractors. The FLSA provides regulations surrounding minimum wage and overtime, applying primarily to employees. Employees are covered under these protections and rights, whereas independent contractors are not.

This classification based on the individual's role is vital because it determines the applicability of labor laws. Skilled and unskilled workers, as well as temporary workers, can fall into either category of employee or independent contractor. Therefore, what ultimately defines a laborer in the context of the FLSA is whether they are considered an employee or an independent contractor, making that classification the core criterion.

The other options focus on specific types of workers or situations but do not capture the broader, more fundamental classification as dictated by employment law. The FLSA's primary concern is ensuring that those who qualify as employees receive the protections afforded by the Act, which is why the classification is crucial.