Wagner Act

Definition

The Wagner Act, formally known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, is a landmark piece of labor legislation in the United States that established the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining. This act aimed to protect workers from unfair labor practices by employers and to promote the growth of unions, significantly shaping the labor movement in America during the 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wagner Act was named after its chief sponsor, Senator Robert F. Wagner of New York, and was enacted during the New Deal era.
2. It empowered workers to form unions without fear of employer retaliation and required employers to recognize and negotiate with unions.
3. The act also prohibited specific unfair labor practices by employers, such as interfering with the formation or administration of unions.
4. The Wagner Act laid the foundation for a significant increase in union membership throughout the 1930s and beyond.
5. Despite its initial successes, the Wagner Act faced challenges in later years, including legal opposition and changes in political climate that affected labor rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Wagner Act change the relationship between employers and employees during its time?
  • The Wagner Act fundamentally transformed the relationship between employers and employees by granting workers the legal right to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining without fear of retaliation. It created a more balanced power dynamic where workers could advocate for their rights and interests more effectively. The establishment of protections against unfair labor practices allowed for greater stability in labor relations and facilitated a significant growth in union membership.
• What role does the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) play under the Wagner Act, and why is it important?
  • The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was created by the Wagner Act to administer and enforce labor law. Its primary functions include overseeing union elections, investigating unfair labor practices, and ensuring that both employees and employers adhere to their legal obligations. The NLRB is crucial because it acts as an impartial body that helps maintain fair labor practices, thus protecting the rights of workers to organize and negotiate collectively.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Wagner Act on labor relations in the United States, considering subsequent legislation and changes in public sentiment.
  • The Wagner Act had a lasting impact on labor relations in the United States by establishing a legal framework that empowered workers and strengthened unions. In subsequent decades, however, changing political climates and economic conditions led to challenges for organized labor. Legislation like the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 sought to limit some of the powers granted by the Wagner Act. Despite these challenges, the foundation laid by the Wagner Act continues to influence discussions around workers' rights and collective bargaining today, reflecting an ongoing struggle between labor interests and employer concerns.

Related terms

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent federal agency created by the Wagner Act to enforce labor law and oversee the process of union elections and collective bargaining.

Collective Bargaining: The process in which workers, through their unions, negotiate with employers on issues like wages, working conditions, and benefits.

Unfair Labor Practices: Actions by employers or unions that violate the rights of employees or employers under labor law, prohibited by the Wagner Act.