National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, is a landmark piece of labor legislation enacted in 1935 that guarantees workers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining through representatives of their choosing. The NLRA establishes key protections for employees, ensuring their rights to form unions and engage in activities for collective bargaining purposes, thereby promoting fair labor practices in the workplace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his New Deal program, aiming to protect workers' rights during the Great Depression.
2. The act prohibits employer practices that interfere with the formation or administration of labor unions and protects employees from unfair labor practices.
3. One of the significant outcomes of the NLRA was the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees and enforces compliance with the act.
4. The NLRA also includes provisions for workers to engage in concerted activities for mutual aid or protection, even if they are not union members.
5. In the decades following its enactment, the NLRA has been pivotal in shaping labor relations in the United States, influencing the balance of power between employers and employees.

Review Questions

• How does the National Labor Relations Act support workers' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining?
  • The National Labor Relations Act supports workers' rights by explicitly guaranteeing their ability to form unions and engage in collective bargaining through chosen representatives. It protects employees from coercive actions by employers that could undermine these rights, thus fostering an environment where workers can negotiate fair terms of employment. This empowerment allows workers to collectively advocate for better wages, hours, and working conditions, leading to more equitable labor practices.
• Evaluate the impact of the National Labor Relations Act on the relationship between employers and labor unions in the United States.
  • The National Labor Relations Act significantly transformed the relationship between employers and labor unions by establishing a legal framework that supports unionization and collective bargaining. Employers are now legally obligated to recognize and negotiate with unions representing their employees. This shift has led to an increase in union membership and stronger bargaining power for workers, creating a more balanced dynamic between labor and management in negotiations over employment terms.
• Assess how changes in legislation related to the National Labor Relations Act could affect current labor relations in America.
  • Changes in legislation related to the National Labor Relations Act could profoundly impact current labor relations by either strengthening or weakening protections for workers' rights. If laws are enacted that limit union activities or enhance employer control over labor negotiations, it could lead to a decrease in union membership and diminish workers' ability to effectively advocate for their interests. Conversely, strengthening protections under the NLRA could empower more workers to organize, leading to increased collective bargaining efforts and improved workplace conditions across various industries.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process in which employers and union representatives negotiate terms of employment, including wages, hours, and working conditions.

Unionization:

The process of forming or joining a labor union, which advocates for workers' rights and interests within the workplace.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent federal agency created by the NLRA that enforces labor laws and oversees union elections and disputes.