National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

Definition

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency created to enforce the National Labor Relations Act, which protects the rights of employees and employers in collective bargaining and union activities. The NLRB ensures fair labor practices and oversees union elections, as well as investigating unfair labor practices to maintain a balanced relationship between labor and management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRB was established in 1935 as part of the National Labor Relations Act to address the power imbalance between labor and management.
2. The NLRB conducts secret ballot elections for workers to determine if they want union representation, ensuring that their choice is made freely.
3. The agency has the authority to investigate charges of unfair labor practices filed by employees or unions against employers and can issue orders to remedy violations.
4. In cases where a union is involved in an unfair labor practice, the NLRB can order the union to cease certain activities or take corrective actions.
5. The NLRB plays a vital role in maintaining workplace democracy by protecting the rights of employees to engage in concerted activities without fear of retaliation.

Review Questions

• How does the NLRB influence employee rights and the relationship between unions and employers?
  • The NLRB influences employee rights by enforcing the National Labor Relations Act, which protects workers' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. By overseeing union elections and investigating unfair labor practices, the NLRB helps ensure that employees can freely choose whether to join a union without coercion or intimidation from their employers. This regulatory role helps maintain a fair balance in the workplace dynamics between employees and management.
• What are some examples of unfair labor practices that the NLRB addresses, and what consequences can arise from these actions?
  • Unfair labor practices that the NLRB addresses include employer interference with union activities, retaliation against employees for union involvement, and refusal to bargain in good faith with a recognized union. When such violations occur, the NLRB can investigate complaints, hold hearings, and issue orders requiring employers to cease these actions. Consequences may include reinstatement of wrongfully terminated employees or mandated compensation for damages caused by these practices.
• Evaluate the impact of the NLRB on labor relations in contemporary workplaces and how it shapes collective bargaining processes.
  • The NLRB significantly impacts contemporary labor relations by providing a framework for resolving disputes between employees and employers while promoting fair collective bargaining processes. Its enforcement of employee rights encourages greater participation in unions, fostering an environment where workers can advocate for better wages and working conditions. Additionally, as workplace dynamics evolve with trends such as gig work and remote employment, the NLRB's role becomes increasingly crucial in addressing new challenges related to employee rights and unionization efforts in these emerging sectors.

Related terms

National Labor Relations Act:

A federal law enacted in 1935 that grants employees the right to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action, including strikes.

Unfair Labor Practices: Actions by employers or unions that violate the rights of employees or employers under the National Labor Relations Act, which can lead to investigations and remedies by the NLRB.

Collective Bargaining:

The process through which employees, typically represented by a union, negotiate with their employer over wages, hours, and other terms of employment.