What is the primary goal of the National Labor Relations Act?

The primary goal of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), enacted in 1935, is to protect the rights of workers and unions. This legislation was designed to ensure that employees had the right to engage in collective bargaining and to participate in union activities without facing discrimination or retaliation from their employers. It establishes the legal framework for labor relations in the United States, promoting fair labor practices and fostering a balanced relationship between employers and employees.

By affirming these rights, the NLRA empowers workers to organize and negotiate for better wages, working conditions, and benefits, thereby strengthening the position of labor unions in representing their members. This focus on worker and union rights is fundamental to the act, reflecting its intent to promote industrial peace and fairness in the workplace, rather than to limit union activities or to place restrictions on employees’ right to organize.