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 that protects the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining. This act created the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees union elections and investigates unfair labor practices, ensuring that workers have a voice in their workplace and can form unions without fear of retaliation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was enacted during the New Deal era to promote labor rights and stabilize the economy during the Great Depression.
2. The act guarantees employees the right to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining without employer interference.
3. The NLRB is responsible for conducting elections to determine whether employees want to be represented by a union and for investigating complaints about unfair labor practices.
4. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for participating in union activities, ensuring that workers can freely express their collective interests.
5. The NLRA has had a lasting impact on labor relations in the United States, influencing subsequent legislation and shaping the landscape of workers' rights.

Review Questions

• How does the National Labor Relations Act empower employees in the workplace?
  • The National Labor Relations Act empowers employees by granting them the legal right to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining. It protects workers from employer retaliation for participating in union activities, ensuring they can advocate for better wages, hours, and working conditions without fear. This act fundamentally changed the dynamics between employers and employees, establishing a framework for negotiation and representation.
• Discuss the role of the National Labor Relations Board in administering the National Labor Relations Act.
  • The National Labor Relations Board plays a critical role in administering the National Labor Relations Act by overseeing union elections and investigating claims of unfair labor practices. The NLRB ensures that elections are conducted fairly, allowing employees to decide if they want union representation. Additionally, it addresses violations of employee rights under the NLRA, providing a mechanism for workers to seek redress when their rights are infringed upon by employers or unions.
• Evaluate how the National Labor Relations Act has shaped labor relations in the United States since its enactment.
  • Since its enactment, the National Labor Relations Act has significantly shaped labor relations in the United States by establishing a legal framework that protects workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. This legislation has led to the growth of labor unions, enabling workers to negotiate better wages and working conditions. Over time, the NLRA has influenced subsequent labor laws and policies, promoting a balance of power between employers and employees while adapting to changing economic conditions and workforce needs.

Related terms

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

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent federal agency created by the NLRA that administers labor laws related to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices.

Unfair Labor Practices: Actions by employers or unions that violate the rights of employees or employers as outlined in the NLRA, such as interference with union organizing or discriminating against employees for union activities.