Legal Definitions - labor

Definition: Labor laws aim to balance the power between employers and employees. These laws mainly deal with the relationship between employers and unions. They give employees the right to form unions and allow employers and employees to take certain actions (such as strikes, picketing, and lockouts) to get their demands met. Labor law is governed by federal and state laws, judicial decisions, and regulations from administrative agencies.

Example: The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) was passed in 1935 to regulate the relationship between employers and employees on a national level. It established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hear disputes between employers and employees and determine which labor organization will represent a group of employees. The NLRA also guarantees employees the right to join unions and collectively bargain with their employers. For example, if workers at a factory feel they are not being paid fairly, they can form a union and negotiate with their employer for better wages and benefits.

Explanation: The NLRA is an example of a federal law that governs labor relations. It gives employees the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining with their employers. This means that workers can come together to negotiate with their employer for better working conditions, wages, and benefits. The NLRA also establishes guidelines and regulations to determine which union will represent a group of employees. This ensures that employees have a say in their working conditions and can work together to improve them.