Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The Wagner Act of 1935

 

            
             The Wagner Act was set up by the federal government in 1935 as a regulator, as well as the final arbitrator of labor relations in the United States. It was sponsored by Robert Wagner, a Democrat Senator of New York. When it was constituted, it established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), with the power to safeguard the rights of most workers. In this regard, workers were in a position of organizing their own unions thereby having the power of collective bargaining. Additionally, the Act disallowed employers from getting involved in unfair labor practices like discriminating or firing workers involved in the unions. .
             History of the Wagner Act.
             Following the New Deal, the Franklin Roosevelt, the President of the United States, together with his Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins, were instrumental in leading a progressive middle course when it came to labor relations. As a matter of fact, they were of the view that if proper laws as well as policies were established, coupled with improved labor conditions and better wages, workers would not be in need of unions (Bain, 2011). However, in spite of the fact that the NIRA included provisions that guaranteed workers the right to collectively bargain, the strikes were regularly broken by the factory owners. As a matter of fact, they set up alternate 'company unions' that they could control at whim. .
             It is for these reasons that Robert F. Wagner, a well respected state legislator known for opposing corruption as well as fighting for social legislation came up with the Wagner Act, in order to assist his low-income constituents (French, 2006). Due to his belief in the New Deal in the provision of economic security to low-income members of the American populace, he was a dynamic supporter of public housing, unemployment insurance, public works program, as well as the Social Security Act (Bain, 2011). Wagner was an avid supporter of social justice, having the full conviction that the American economy could only realize its full potential if mass purchasing power is guaranteed by government spending as well as full protection of the rights of workers.


Essays Related to The Wagner Act of 1935