National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, is a landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1935 that protects the rights of employees to organize, collectively bargain, and engage in other concerted activities for mutual aid or protection. It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee and enforce these rights, ensuring that workers can form unions without interference from employers. This act is crucial in understanding labor movements and the evolution of labor rights in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 5, 1935, as part of the New Deal legislation aimed at improving labor conditions during the Great Depression.
2. One of the main purposes of the NLRA is to protect employees' rights to organize and join labor unions without employer interference or retaliation.
3. The NLRA prohibits employers from engaging in unfair labor practices, such as discriminating against employees for their union activities or refusing to bargain collectively with union representatives.
4. The establishment of the National Labor Relations Board under the NLRA provides a mechanism for workers to file complaints against employers for violations of their rights.
5. The passage of the NLRA significantly increased union membership in the U.S. and helped to strengthen labor movements during the mid-20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Relations Act change the relationship between employees and employers in terms of labor rights?
  • The National Labor Relations Act fundamentally changed the dynamic between employees and employers by granting workers specific rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. It prohibited employers from interfering with these rights, thus creating a legal framework that empowered workers to negotiate better terms and conditions of employment. This shift encouraged more workers to join unions, resulting in stronger collective representation and a more equitable balance of power in labor relations.
• Analyze the impact of the National Labor Relations Board established by the NLRA on labor relations in the United States.
  • The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) plays a crucial role in enforcing the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act by investigating complaints, conducting elections for union representation, and adjudicating disputes between workers and employers. Its establishment provided a formal mechanism for addressing grievances related to unfair labor practices and ensured that employees had a dedicated entity to protect their rights. The NLRB's actions have shaped labor relations significantly by upholding workers' rights and fostering a more organized approach to collective bargaining.
• Evaluate how the passage of the National Labor Relations Act influenced labor movements and economic policies in subsequent decades.
  • The passage of the National Labor Relations Act had far-reaching effects on labor movements and economic policies throughout the 20th century. By empowering workers to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining, it led to substantial increases in union membership and influence within various industries. This transformation not only improved working conditions and wages for millions but also prompted policymakers to consider labor interests in economic planning. As unions gained strength, they became significant players in advocating for broader social reforms, shaping policies around minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and social security measures that benefited American workers.

Related terms

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

National Labor Relations Board: An independent federal agency created by the NLRA to enforce labor law in relation to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices.

Unionization: The process by which workers join together to form a union for the purpose of collective bargaining and addressing workplace issues.