The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

Career Readiness

Unions

0.7 min

Updated Jan. 31, 2024

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), established in 1935, is a foundational statute for the American workforce, particularly in the realms of unionization and collective bargaining.

CORE CONTENT | 0.7 min read

During the Great Depression, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), commonly known as the Wagner Act, was enacted to protect the workers. It aimed to rectify the power imbalance between employers and employees and created a legal framework for union activities. The Act also played a critical role in maintaining industrial peace by providing a structured process for resolving labor disputes. This landmark legislation secured the rights of employees to organize, join labor unions, and engage in collective bargaining, fundamentally transforming the labor relations landscape.

Key Provision

  • Right to Organize and Collective Bargain
  • Formation of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): The Act established the NLRB, an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing labor laws and overseeing union elections.
  • Prohibition of Unfair Labor Practices: It outlines specific employer and union practices that are deemed unfair, such as interfering with union activities (now colloquially termed “union-busting”) or discriminating against union members.

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