National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, was a landmark piece of legislation enacted in 1935 that aimed to protect the rights of workers and encourage collective bargaining. It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee labor disputes and ensure that employees could organize and engage in union activities without fear of retaliation from employers. This act was a vital component of New Deal programs, as it sought to improve labor conditions during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was enacted on July 5, 1935, as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives to address the economic hardships faced by workers during the Great Depression.
2. The act protects employees' rights to organize and join labor unions, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in other concerted activities for mutual aid or protection.
3. Under the NLRA, employers are prohibited from engaging in unfair labor practices, such as discriminating against employees for union involvement or interfering with union activities.
4. The establishment of the NLRB allowed for a formal process to resolve labor disputes and enforce workers' rights, significantly strengthening the labor movement in the United States.
5. The NLRA laid the groundwork for future labor legislation and reforms, influencing labor relations in the country for decades to come.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Relations Act reshape the relationship between workers and employers during the New Deal era?
  • The National Labor Relations Act significantly reshaped the relationship between workers and employers by providing legal protections for workers' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. This legislation empowered employees to form unions without fear of retaliation, allowing them to negotiate better wages and working conditions. The establishment of the National Labor Relations Board further ensured that disputes could be fairly resolved, ultimately transforming labor relations into a more structured and regulated environment.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the National Labor Relations Act on American labor movements.
  • The long-term impacts of the National Labor Relations Act on American labor movements have been profound. The act legitimized union activities and provided a framework for collective bargaining that has persisted through subsequent decades. As unions gained strength due to protections under the NLRA, they were able to secure significant advances in workers' rights, leading to improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. However, changes in economic conditions and political attitudes toward unions have also challenged these gains over time.
• Analyze how the creation of the National Labor Relations Board influenced labor relations in America following the enactment of the National Labor Relations Act.
  • The creation of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) fundamentally influenced labor relations in America by providing an authoritative body to oversee labor disputes and enforce workers' rights. The NLRB's ability to mediate conflicts between employers and unions helped stabilize relations during a period marked by tension and upheaval. By adjudicating unfair labor practices and ensuring compliance with the NLRA, the NLRB not only strengthened the position of organized labor but also contributed to shaping policies that govern workplace dynamics today.

Related terms

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

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): A federal agency created by the NLRA that administers labor laws and oversees disputes between unions and employers.

Unionization: The process of forming or joining a labor union to represent the collective interests of workers in negotiations with employers.