Evolution of Legislation
Major Statutes Affecting the Minimum Wage
The following are the most important Federal actions takento regulate wages and hours in the United States.1888 — Congress established the Bureau of Laborunder the U.S. Department of the Interior.1892 — The Federal Government adopted an eight-hourwork day and other wage-and-hour standards for employees.1903 — The U.S. Department of Commerce and Laborwas created.1916 — The Owen-Keating Act established a minimumage limit of 14 for work in factories, an eight-hour day, anda 48-hour work week.1918 — Congress passed minimum wage legislationfor women and children in the District of Columbia.1931 — The Davis Bacon Act was passed by Congressto establish wage standards…
