Final Answer:
As of July 24, 2009, the minimum wage for nonexempt employees was $7.25 per hour. So, the correct option is b. $ 7.25.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum wage as of July 24, 2009, for nonexempt employees was set at $7.25 per hour. This wage rate was established as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and represented the federal minimum wage, applicable across various industries and states.
During that time, the government periodically reviewed and adjusted the minimum wage to ensure it kept pace with economic changes and inflation. This specific rate, $7.25 per hour, aimed to provide a baseline income for workers in nonexempt positions, safeguarding their earning potential.
It's important to note that this minimum wage standard served as a floor; individual states might have enacted higher minimum wage laws, ensuring workers received compensation meeting or exceeding the federal standard. However, the $7.25 rate stood as the federally mandated minimum across the United States for nonexempt employees.
Employers were required to adhere to this federal minimum wage, ensuring fair compensation for hourly workers. Compliance with this regulation was essential to avoid legal ramifications and maintain fair labor practices within the workforce.
The establishment of a minimum wage aimed to protect the rights of workers, providing them with a reasonable income to support themselves and their families. It represented a crucial aspect of labor laws aimed at ensuring fair compensation and equitable treatment for individuals employed in nonexempt positions across various industries.
So, the correct option is b. $ 7.25.