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, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in concerted activities for mutual aid or protection. This act established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee and enforce labor laws, ensuring fair practices in labor relations and fostering an environment for collective bargaining between 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, during the Great Depression, to protect workers' rights and promote fair labor practices.
2. One of the key provisions of the NLRA is Section 7, which grants employees the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining without fear of employer retaliation.
3. The NLRA prohibits certain unfair labor practices by employers, such as interfering with the formation of unions or discriminating against employees for union activities.
4. The NLRB has the authority to investigate and remedy unfair labor practices, oversee union elections, and ensure that workers can exercise their rights under the NLRA.
5. The NLRA has undergone various amendments and interpretations over the years, reflecting changing attitudes toward labor rights and employer-employee relationships.

Review Questions

• What are the main rights granted to employees under the National Labor Relations Act?
  • The National Labor Relations Act grants employees several key rights, primarily the right to organize into unions, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in concerted activities aimed at mutual aid or protection. Section 7 specifically ensures that employees can form unions without interference from employers and that they can freely engage in discussions about working conditions. This legal framework empowers workers to advocate for better wages and working conditions collectively.
• How does the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) enforce the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act?
  • The National Labor Relations Board enforces the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act by investigating complaints of unfair labor practices filed by employees or unions. The NLRB has the authority to hold hearings, issue rulings, and impose remedies if it finds that an employer has violated workers' rights under the NLRA. Additionally, the NLRB oversees union elections to ensure they are conducted fairly and without coercion, thereby promoting a balanced environment for collective bargaining.
• Evaluate the impact of the National Labor Relations Act on modern labor relations in the United States.
  • The National Labor Relations Act has had a profound impact on modern labor relations in the United States by establishing a legal framework that protects workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. This legislation has empowered unions to advocate for better working conditions and wages while holding employers accountable for unfair practices. However, debates continue about its effectiveness in today’s economy, especially with trends like gig work and declining union membership. The ongoing relevance of the NLRA highlights its role in shaping labor relations as society grapples with changing workplace dynamics.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining:

The process by which employers and unions negotiate terms of employment, including wages, working conditions, and benefits.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): A federal agency established by the NLRA responsible for enforcing labor laws and protecting workers' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

Unionization: The process through which workers come together to form or join a union to represent their collective interests in negotiations with employers.