Wagner Act

The Wagner Act, also known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, was a key part of Roosevelt's New Deal, aimed at addressing labor unrest during the Great Depression. It responded to problems of unfair labor practices, where workers faced harsh conditions and had little power to negotiate for better wages or working conditions. By guaranteeing the right to form unions and strike, it empowered workers to demand fair treatment and helped improve the standard of living for many families. Today, the Wagner Act still matters because it supports workers' rights to join unions and advocate for themselves, impacting job security and conditions. For example, if a group of teachers wants better classroom resources, the ability to unionize and negotiate can lead to positive changes in their work environment, benefiting not just them but also their students.