What does the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act require for contracts providing goods to the federal government?

The Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act requires that contracts providing goods to the federal government adhere to specific labor standards, which include the stipulation of minimum wage rates and overtime pay for the workers involved in the production of those goods. This legislation was enacted to protect laborers and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their work, particularly for those employed by contractors dealing with government contracts.

The Act mandates that contractors comply with the minimum wage requirements established by the Secretary of Labor, as well as allowing for overtime pay for hours worked over the standard 40-hour workweek. This helps to ensure that workers are not only compensated fairly but also that their rights are protected while working on federally funded projects.

The other options do not reflect the comprehensive nature of the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act. For example, the absence of overtime pay does not align with the Act's requirements, as it explicitly includes overtime provisions. Furthermore, a focus solely on standard hourly wages or guaranteed employment periods fails to encompass the broader labor protections mandated by the Act.