This part contains the official interpretations of the Department of
Labor pertaining to the provisions of section 6(b)(2) and the exemptions
provided in sections 13(a)(14) and 13(b)(6) of the Act. It is intended
that the positions stated concerning the Act will serve as ``a practical
guide to employers and employees as to how the office representing the
public interest in its enforcement will seek to apply it'' (Skidmore v.
Swift, 323 U.S. 134). The Secretary of Labor and the Administrator will
follow these interpretations in the performance of their duties under
the Act, unless and until they are otherwise directed by authoritative
decisions of the courts or conclude upon re-examination of an
interpretation that it is incorrect. The interpretations contained
herein may be relied upon in accordance with section 10 of the Portal-
to-Portal Act (29 U.S.C. 251-262), so long as they remain effective and
are not modified, amended, rescinded, or determined by judicial
authority to be incorrect.
