Final answer:
Overtime is the rate of pay for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek, often 'time and a half'. This additional pay is mandated by laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure fair compensation for extra work. Workers, particularly those earning minimum wage, may depend on overtime to augment their income. The correct option is c. A rate of pay for hours worked exceeding 40 ours
Step-by-step explanation:
Overtime is payment for hours worked exceeding 40 hours per week. It compensates employees for the additional time spent working beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.
In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes the minimum wage, limits on child labor, and rules requiring payment of overtime.
Generally, overtime pay is at a higher rate than the regular hourly wage, often referred to as 'time and a half,' meaning employees receive one and a half times their regular hourly rate for every hour worked over 40 hours.
For example, if a minimum wage worker is making $10 per hour and works 45 hours in a week, the 5 hours of overtime would be calculated at $15 per hour (1.5 times the regular pay).
This extra compensation is designed to support the well-being of workers and ensure that they are fairly compensated for the additional time they invest in their jobs, especially considering that many minimum wage workers do not work full-time and may rely on overtime to make ends meet. The correct option is c. A rate of pay for hours worked exceeding 40 ours