Frequently Asked Questions

What role does the National Labor Relations Board play in labor relations?

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) plays a pivotal role in labor relations in the United States. Established by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935, also known as the Wagner Act, the NLRB is an independent Federal agency. The Act was a significant piece of labor legislation in the 1930s, reenacting the previously invalidated labor sections of the National Industry Recovery Act (NRA) and introducing several new provisions. The NLRB's primary responsibility is to determine whether a union should be certified to represent specific groups of employees. To make this determination, the Board uses methods it deems suitable, including holding a representation election among the concerned workers. The NLRB was initially composed of three members appointed by the President. The NLRA also prohibits employers from engaging in any of the five categories of unfair labor practices. If an employer violates this prohibition, a union or employee can file a complaint with the NLRB. The Act applies to all firms and employees involved in activities affecting interstate commerce, with exceptions for agricultural laborers, government employees, and those persons subject to the Railway Labor Act.