National Labor Relations Act

Definition

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), enacted in 1935, is a foundational piece of labor legislation in the United States that protects the rights of workers to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action. The NLRA established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee and enforce these rights, marking a significant shift in government policy toward labor relations during Roosevelt's New Deal era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLRA is also known as the Wagner Act, named after its sponsor, Senator Robert F. Wagner.
2. It provided employees the right to form unions without employer interference and established unfair labor practices that employers could not engage in.
3. The creation of the NLRB allowed workers to file complaints and have grievances addressed more effectively than before.
4. The NLRA played a crucial role in increasing union membership during the 1930s and 1940s as workers sought better conditions during economic recovery.
5. The Act is considered a landmark law in labor relations and has had a lasting impact on the relationship between employers and employees in the U.S.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Relations Act empower workers and change labor relations in the United States?
  • The National Labor Relations Act empowered workers by guaranteeing their rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining without fear of retaliation from employers. It shifted labor relations from a largely unregulated arena to one where federal oversight ensured fair practices through the establishment of the NLRB. This act marked a turning point for labor rights in America, providing workers with legal backing to form unions and negotiate terms of employment.
• In what ways did the National Labor Relations Act contribute to the growth of labor unions during Roosevelt's New Deal programs?
  • The National Labor Relations Act contributed significantly to the growth of labor unions by legitimizing their formation and activities. With protections against employer interference and provisions for collective bargaining, more workers felt encouraged to join unions. The government’s support for organized labor during this period made it easier for unions to negotiate contracts, thereby boosting their influence and membership across various industries.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the National Labor Relations Act on American labor relations and the economy as a whole.
  • The long-term implications of the National Labor Relations Act have been profound in shaping American labor relations and influencing economic structures. By establishing legal frameworks that protected workers' rights to unionize and bargain collectively, the NLRA not only strengthened labor unions but also helped improve wages and working conditions over decades. This contributed to the rise of a more robust middle class post-World War II and influenced labor-management negotiations that continue to affect economic policies today. Additionally, it set precedents for subsequent labor legislation, reflecting ongoing tensions between capital and labor.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process through which workers, through their unions, negotiate contracts with employers regarding wages, hours, and other terms of employment.

National Labor Relations Board: An independent federal agency created by the NLRA to enforce labor laws and ensure fair practices in labor relations.

Labor Unions:

Organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and interests, advocating for better working conditions, wages, and benefits.