National Labor Relations Act

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) covers all employers involved in interstate commerce, except airlines, railroads, agricultural operations and government entities, which are governed by other federal or state laws. However, the reach of the NLRA is subject to certain jurisdictional limits.

The NLRA is a federal law limiting how employers may react to employees who create labor unions, conduct collective bargaining, and take part in strikes and other forms of activity. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • National Labor Relations Act Overview

    National Labor Relations Act OverviewThe NLRA sets forth these employee rights: to self-organize; to form, join or assist labor organizations; to bargain collectively; to engage in other protected activities; to refrain from any of these activities   More »

  • Covered Employers

    Covered EmployersThe National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) covers a broad spectrum of employers, but not all.   More »

  • Jurisdictional Standards

    Jurisdictional StandardsThe board exercised its discretion to limit its cases to those involving enterprises whose effect on commerce is substantial.  More »

  • Excluded Employees

    Excluded EmployeesThe NRLA does not cover: agricultural laborers, domestic servants, workers employed by parent/spouse, independent contractors, supervisors and managers, etc.  More »

  • Confidential Employees and the NLRA

    Confidential Employees and the NLRAThe National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) defines "confidential employees" as employees who assist and act in a confidential capacity   More »

  • Investigatory Meetings

    Investigatory MeetingsIn NLRB v. J. Weingarten Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court established that union-represented employees have a right to request a union representative to be present during "investigatory interviews."  More »

  • Rights of Employees

    Rights of EmployeesThe National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) provides covered employees certain rights to join together to improve their wages and working conditions, with or without a union.  More »

  • Association Rights

    Association RightsUnder certain circumstances, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) allows a union and an employer to make a union-security agreement that requires employees to make certain payments to the union to retain their jobs.   More »