Legal Definitions - National Labor Relations Board

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent regulatory commission that was created in 1935 by the National Labor Relations Act (also known as the Wagner Act). The NLRB has five members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The purpose of the NLRB is to protect the rights of employees to unionize, prevent abuses by employers or unions, and oversee union and organizing elections.

For example, if a group of employees at a company want to form a union, the NLRB would oversee the election to determine if the majority of employees want to unionize. The NLRB would also investigate any complaints of unfair labor practices by either the employer or the union, such as firing an employee for trying to unionize or refusing to bargain with a union.

Another example would be if a union was accused of using intimidation tactics to force employees to join the union. The NLRB would investigate the claim and take action if necessary to protect the employees' rights.

These examples illustrate how the NLRB works to ensure that employees have the right to unionize and that employers and unions follow the law and treat employees fairly.