This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

The Fair Labor Standards Act imposes upon almost all public employment the minimum wage and maximum hour requirements previously restricted to employees engaged in interstate commerce. These requirements are essentially identical to those imposed upon private employers, although the Act does attempt to make some provision for public employment relationships, which are without counterpart in the private sector, such as those presented by fire protection and law enforcement personnel. The appellants sought both declaratory and injunctive relief against the amendments' application to them, and a three-judge court was convened. That court granted appellee Secretary of Labor's motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief might be granted. The District Court stated it was 'troubled' by appellants' contention that the amendments would intrude upon the States' performance of essential governmental functions. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.

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