What is the primary purpose of the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act?

The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act primarily serves to govern wage rates and overtime for federal contracts. This legislation requires that contractors and subcontractors working on public contracts provide their employees with fair labor conditions. Specifically, it mandates that these employers comply with minimum wage laws and pay overtime rates at least one and a half times the typical pay when employees work beyond the standard 40 hours in a workweek.

This act ensures that workers engaged in the performance of government contracts receive appropriate compensation for their labor, thereby promoting fair labor standards and preventing exploitation of workers, especially in industries that are heavily reliant on federal contracting. By enforcing these wage and labor conditions, the Walsh-Healey Act plays a crucial role in safeguarding workers’ interests in federal contracts, ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their efforts.