National Labor Relations Board

Definition

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency created in 1935 to administer and enforce the National Labor Relations Act, which protects the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining. The NLRB plays a crucial role in addressing labor disputes, overseeing union elections, and ensuring that employers adhere to labor laws, making it a key player in labor relations in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRB was established under the Wagner Act, officially known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935.
2. The board is composed of five members who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.
3. One of the key functions of the NLRB is to investigate unfair labor practice charges brought by employees or unions against employers.
4. The NLRB also conducts secret ballot elections to determine if employees want to be represented by a union.
5. Decisions made by the NLRB can be appealed to federal courts, providing a legal framework for resolving labor disputes.

Review Questions

• How does the National Labor Relations Board influence collective bargaining between employers and employees?
  • The National Labor Relations Board influences collective bargaining by overseeing the process through which employees can organize and form unions. The NLRB ensures that workers can engage in negotiations without fear of retaliation from employers. This protection allows for a fair bargaining environment, where both parties can discuss wages, working conditions, and benefits effectively. By administering union elections and investigating unfair labor practices, the NLRB plays a pivotal role in maintaining balance in labor relations.
• What are the major responsibilities of the NLRB, and how do they impact employee rights?
  • The major responsibilities of the NLRB include enforcing the National Labor Relations Act, investigating unfair labor practice complaints, and conducting elections for union representation. These functions directly impact employee rights by safeguarding their ability to organize and collectively bargain without interference from employers. When employees feel secure in exercising their rights, it fosters a more equitable workplace environment and contributes to better labor relations overall.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the NLRB in promoting fair labor practices since its inception and discuss any challenges it faces today.
  • The effectiveness of the NLRB in promoting fair labor practices can be seen through its longstanding role in protecting workers' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining since its establishment. However, challenges persist, including political pressures that can influence board appointments and decisions, as well as shifts in public opinion about unionization. Additionally, as new forms of work emerge—like gig work—the NLRB faces difficulties adapting its traditional frameworks to adequately protect modern workers' rights. This evolving landscape presents both opportunities and hurdles for the agency in fulfilling its mission.

Related terms

National Labor Relations Act: A landmark piece of legislation passed in 1935 that established the rights of workers to organize, join unions, and engage in collective bargaining.

Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements regarding wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Union Representation: The act of having a union represent the interests of workers in negotiations with their employer regarding employment terms.