The National Labor Relations Act, a keystone of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, addressed the severe economic inequalities that plagued the American workforce during the Great Depression. This legislation, enacted in 1935, fundamentally reshaped the relationship between employers and employees by guaranteeing workers the right to organize and collectively bargain with their employers through representatives of their own choosing. This right extended to forming, joining, or assisting labor organizations without fear of employer interference or coercion.
The significance of this act is multi-faceted. It provided a legal framework for unions to operate, leading to a surge in union membership and a corresponding increase in workers’ bargaining power. This allowed for improved wages, working conditions, and job security for millions of Americans. The historical context reveals a period marked by labor unrest and widespread exploitation of workers. This legislation sought to correct these imbalances and foster a more equitable economic landscape. It represented a shift in government policy towards actively protecting and promoting the rights of labor.
