6 juill. 1935 - Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act)

Description:

A landmark Act passed by Congress., it was the single most important piece of labour legislation enacted in the USA in the 20th century. Its main purpose was to establish the legal right of most workers. Sponsored by the Democratic Senator Robert F. Wagner, the act established the federal government as the regulator and ultimate arbiter of labour relations.

It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which could negotiate on behalf of workers and prevent companies from using their own unions. It also gave unions legitimacy in the workforce and protects them by law, giving workers the right to join unions and preventing discrimination against unionised workers. Furthermore, collective bargaining was legitimised, with unions allowed to collectively push for changes to conditions.

This act was later declared unconstitutional.