What does the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act require?

The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act is a piece of legislation that specifically mandates the payment of minimum wage and overtime pay for workers on federal contracts. The Act applies to contracts for the manufacture or furnishing of materials, supplies, or services to the federal government and ensures that contractors comply with wage standards comparable to those set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

By focusing on the requirement for minimum wage and overtime compensation, the Act aims to protect workers engaged in federal procurement from exploitation and poor compensation, thus enhancing labor conditions in industries that are reliant on federal contracts. This ensures that employees receive fair pay for their labor when working on projects funded by taxpayer dollars.

The other options do not accurately reflect the requirements of the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act. Payment of annual bonuses to federal employees, providing healthcare benefits, and imposing restrictions on hiring subcontractors are not components of this specific legislation. Therefore, the emphasis on minimum wage and overtime pay illustrates the core intention of the Walsh-Healey Act in promoting fair labor practices within federal contracting.