What are "wage and hour laws" designed to do?

Wage and hour laws are primarily designed to govern issues related to minimum wage, overtime pay, and working hours, all with the intent of protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair compensation for their labor. These laws set the standard for the minimum amount that workers can be paid for their work and also outline what constitutes overtime hours, ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for any additional work they undertake beyond the typical workweek. This framework is crucial for preventing exploitation and ensuring that workers do not have to endure excessively long hours without adequate pay. The focus is on maintaining fairness in the workplace and fostering a balanced and respectful employment relationship.