National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, is a foundational piece of labor legislation enacted in 1935 to protect the rights of workers and encourage collective bargaining. It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee labor relations and ensure that employees could engage in union activities without fear of retaliation from employers. This act played a critical role in defining labor rights and shaping the relationship between workers, employers, and unions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 5, 1935, as part of the New Deal's efforts to improve labor conditions during the Great Depression.
2. The act prohibits unfair labor practices by employers, including interfering with the formation or administration of labor organizations and discriminating against employees for union involvement.
3. One of the key features of the NLRA is that it grants workers the right to organize, join unions, and engage in collective bargaining without employer intimidation.
4. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was established by the NLRA to investigate and remedy unfair labor practices and oversee elections for union representation.
5. The NLRA has been amended multiple times, including significant changes in 1947 with the Taft-Hartley Act, which placed restrictions on union activities and addressed employer concerns.

Review Questions

• What are some key protections provided to workers under the National Labor Relations Act?
  • The National Labor Relations Act provides several key protections for workers, including the right to organize into unions, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in concerted activities for mutual aid or protection. It also prohibits employers from interfering with these rights through intimidation or discrimination against employees involved in union activities. These protections help ensure that workers have a voice in negotiations with their employers and can advocate for better working conditions.
• Discuss how the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board has impacted labor relations in the United States.
  • The establishment of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has significantly impacted labor relations by providing a structured mechanism for addressing disputes between employers and employees. The NLRB oversees elections for union representation, investigates unfair labor practices, and enforces compliance with labor laws. By acting as an impartial mediator, the NLRB helps maintain balance in labor relations and protects workers' rights to organize, thereby fostering a more equitable workplace environment.
• Evaluate how amendments to the National Labor Relations Act, particularly the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, have influenced union power and employee rights.
  • Amendments to the National Labor Relations Act, especially with the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, have had a profound influence on union power and employee rights. The Taft-Hartley Act introduced provisions that restricted certain union activities, such as secondary boycotts and closed shops, which aimed to balance the power between unions and employers. These changes reflected a growing concern over potential union excesses while still recognizing employee rights. This complex relationship has led to ongoing debates about labor rights and the role of unions in protecting those rights within today's workforce.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process in which employees, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers regarding wages, hours, and other working conditions.

National Labor Relations Board: An independent federal agency created by the NLRA that enforces labor laws and protects the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

Union Representation: The legal right of workers to have their union represent them in negotiations with their employer regarding employment conditions.