National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a foundational piece of legislation enacted in 1935 that protects the rights of employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in union activities without interference from employers. This act establishes the legal framework for labor relations in the United States, ensuring that workers can join together to negotiate terms of employment and address grievances collectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA is also known as the Wagner Act, named after its sponsor, Senator Robert F. Wagner.
2. The act applies to most private-sector employers, giving employees the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining.
3. It prohibits certain unfair labor practices by employers, such as retaliating against employees for union activities or refusing to bargain in good faith.
4. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), established by the NLRA, plays a key role in enforcing the provisions of the act and resolving disputes between employers and unions.
5. The NLRA has significantly influenced labor relations in the U.S., shaping the landscape of workers' rights and union activity over the decades.

Review Questions

• How does the National Labor Relations Act empower employees in their workplace?
  • The National Labor Relations Act empowers employees by granting them the legal right to organize and form labor unions. It protects their ability to engage in collective bargaining with employers over wages, hours, and working conditions. The act also ensures that employees can participate in union activities without fear of retaliation or discrimination from their employers, which strengthens their position in negotiations.
• Discuss the impact of the National Labor Relations Act on labor unions and collective bargaining practices in the U.S.
  • The National Labor Relations Act has had a profound impact on labor unions and collective bargaining practices by providing a legal foundation for these activities. By recognizing the right of workers to form unions, the NLRA has enabled workers to negotiate collectively with their employers rather than individually. This collective power has led to improved wages and working conditions for many employees and has established mechanisms for resolving disputes through the National Labor Relations Board.
• Evaluate how changes to or challenges against the National Labor Relations Act could affect future labor relations in the United States.
  • Changes to or challenges against the National Labor Relations Act could significantly reshape labor relations by either strengthening or undermining workers' rights to organize. If weakened, it could lead to a decline in union membership and reduced bargaining power for employees, potentially resulting in lower wages and deteriorating working conditions. Conversely, efforts to reinforce the NLRA could enhance protections for workers, facilitate greater union participation, and promote fairer negotiations between employers and employees, thereby revitalizing the labor movement in a modern context.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process by which employers and a group of employees negotiate terms of employment, such as wages, hours, and working conditions.

Labor Union: An organized group of workers who come together to make decisions about the work environment and negotiate with employers on behalf of its members.

National Labor Relations Board: A federal agency created by the NLRA that oversees the enforcement of labor laws and ensures fair practices in union elections and collective bargaining.