National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a foundational piece of labor legislation in the United States, enacted in 1935 to protect the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining with their employers. This act established key provisions for the formation of labor unions, the right to strike, and the prohibition of unfair labor practices by employers, fundamentally shaping the landscape of labor relations in the U.S.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA is often referred to as the Wagner Act, named after its sponsor, Senator Robert F. Wagner.
2. It established the legal framework for employees to form unions and engage in collective bargaining without fear of retaliation from employers.
3. The act empowers employees to participate in concerted activities for mutual aid or protection, including strikes and picketing.
4. It prohibits employers from engaging in unfair labor practices that interfere with employees' rights to organize and bargain collectively.
5. The NLRA has been amended several times, notably by the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947, which added provisions regulating union activities.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Relations Act empower employees in their workplace relations?
  • The National Labor Relations Act empowered employees by guaranteeing their right to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining without facing employer retaliation. It provided a legal framework that allowed workers to collectively negotiate their working conditions, wages, and benefits. This was a significant shift in labor relations, as it aimed to balance the power dynamics between employees and employers.
• Discuss the role of the National Labor Relations Board in enforcing the National Labor Relations Act.
  • The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) plays a crucial role in enforcing the National Labor Relations Act by overseeing union elections, investigating unfair labor practice complaints, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. It acts as a mediator in disputes between employers and unions and has the authority to issue decisions that can enforce workers' rights under the NLRA. The NLRB helps maintain fair practices within labor relations by holding parties accountable for violations.
• Evaluate the impact of amendments to the National Labor Relations Act on labor relations in the United States.
  • Amendments to the National Labor Relations Act, particularly the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, significantly impacted labor relations by introducing regulations on union activities and balancing employer-employee power dynamics. These changes included restrictions on union strikes and secondary boycotts while providing certain protections for employers against union coercion. The evolution of the NLRA through these amendments reflects ongoing tensions in labor relations, influencing how unions operate and negotiate with employers today.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process through which employers and unions negotiate terms of employment, such as wages, hours, and working conditions.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent federal agency created by the NLRA that enforces labor laws and oversees union elections and disputes.

Unfair Labor Practices: Actions by employers or unions that violate the rights guaranteed under the NLRA, including interference with employee rights to organize.