National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, is a foundational piece of legislation enacted in 1935 that protects the rights of employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in labor unions. This act established a framework for labor relations in the United States, addressing the balance of power between employers and employees during a time of significant industrial change and labor unrest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was a response to widespread labor strikes and unrest during the Great Depression, aiming to promote fair labor practices.
2. It gave workers the right to join unions without fear of employer retaliation and required employers to bargain in good faith with unions.
3. The act also established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which has the authority to investigate and remedy unfair labor practices.
4. The NLRA specifically excluded certain groups from its protections, including agricultural workers and domestic workers.
5. The legislation marked a significant shift in U.S. labor policy, strengthening the role of organized labor in American industry and leading to increased union membership.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Relations Act empower workers during a time of economic turmoil?
  • The National Labor Relations Act empowered workers by giving them the legal right to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining with their employers. This was crucial during the Great Depression when many workers faced exploitation and poor working conditions. By establishing protections against employer retaliation for union activities, the NLRA helped facilitate a more balanced power dynamic between workers and management, allowing for improved negotiations over wages and working conditions.
• Discuss the role of the National Labor Relations Board as established by the NLRA and its impact on labor relations in the United States.
  • The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) plays a vital role as an independent federal agency established by the NLRA to enforce labor laws. It oversees union elections, investigates unfair labor practices, and ensures that employers comply with the provisions of the act. The presence of the NLRB has significantly impacted labor relations by providing a legal framework for resolving disputes between employers and unions, which has contributed to more orderly industrial relations and helped legitimize the role of unions in American society.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the National Labor Relations Act on unionization trends in various industries throughout American history.
  • The National Labor Relations Act had profound long-term implications for unionization trends across various industries in America. By legitimizing unions and establishing a legal framework for collective bargaining, it led to a surge in union membership during the mid-20th century, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Over time, however, changes in economic conditions, globalization, and shifts in public policy have affected union strength, leading to declines in membership in certain industries. Despite these fluctuations, the NLRA remains a cornerstone of U.S. labor law, influencing contemporary debates about workers' rights and union representation.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process through which employers and union representatives negotiate wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

National Labor Relations Board:

A federal agency created by the NLRA to enforce labor laws and oversee the process of union elections and unfair labor practice complaints.

Unionization:

The process of forming or joining a labor union to represent workers' interests and negotiate with employers.