What does the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protect?

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that ensures employees have the right to organize, form unions, and engage in collective bargaining processes with their employers. This act was established to protect the rights of employees in the private sector, particularly those seeking to negotiate collectively for better wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

By specifically safeguarding the rights to organize and collectively bargain, the NLRA encourages a balanced power dynamic between employers and employees, enabling workers to join together to negotiate as a group rather than individually, which can often lead to a more equitable bargaining position. This collective effort is fundamental for workers to voice their concerns and demands, thereby enhancing their ability to influence their work environment.

In contrast, options that focus on employers' rights—like terminating employees or managing work schedules—are not within the protection scope of the NLRA. The act primarily centers on empowering employees rather than addressing employer rights in these contexts. Similarly, while the act does not prohibit individual negotiations regarding salary, such negotiations are separate from the collective bargaining rights that the NLRA explicitly aims to protect.