National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also known as the Wagner Act, was enacted in 1935 to protect the rights of employees and employers, encouraging collective bargaining and curbing certain private sector labor and management practices that can harm the general welfare of workers. The act significantly shaped the labor movement by establishing the legal framework for union activities, making it easier for workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining, which ultimately strengthened labor unions and workers' rights in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA was a response to the widespread abuses faced by workers during the early 20th century, including poor working conditions and unfair labor practices.
2. The act guarantees employees the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining without interference from their employers.
3. The NLRA also prohibits employers from engaging in unfair labor practices, such as discriminating against employees for union activity or refusing to bargain in good faith.
4. The establishment of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under the NLRA allows workers to file complaints about unfair labor practices and ensures enforcement of the act's provisions.
5. The NLRA laid the groundwork for significant growth in union membership during the mid-20th century, leading to improved wages and working conditions for many American workers.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Relations Act impact workers' ability to organize and form unions?
  • The National Labor Relations Act significantly empowered workers by legally protecting their right to organize and engage in collective bargaining. It provided a framework that made it more challenging for employers to interfere with union activities, which encouraged more workers to join unions. This shift contributed to an increase in union membership during the mid-20th century, helping workers gain better wages and working conditions.
• What role does the National Labor Relations Board play in enforcing the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act?
  • The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) serves as an independent agency responsible for enforcing the National Labor Relations Act's provisions. It investigates complaints from employees regarding unfair labor practices committed by employers or unions. The NLRB has the authority to hold elections for union representation and ensure that workers can freely exercise their rights without facing employer retaliation.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the National Labor Relations Act on labor unions and workers' rights throughout American history.
  • The National Labor Relations Act has had profound long-term effects on labor unions and workers' rights in the United States. By establishing legal protections for union organizing and collective bargaining, it facilitated a significant rise in union membership and strengthened the labor movement. Over decades, this led to improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for millions of American workers. However, the act's effectiveness has fluctuated due to changing political climates and shifts in public policy regarding labor rights, which continue to shape discussions around labor relations today.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining:

The process through which employers and a group of employees negotiate terms of employment, including wages, hours, and other conditions of work.

Labor Union: An organization formed by workers to represent their interests in negotiations with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent agency created by the NLRA that oversees labor relations and ensures that workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively are protected.