The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

In 1935, Congress passed the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), a federal law that protects the rights of most employees in the unionized and non-unionized private sector, which includes non-profit schools. At its core, the NLRA provides private-sector employees the fundamental right to seek better working conditions and designate labor representation without fear of retaliation. The NLRA grants private-sector employees the freedom to join or form labor unions, the right to engage in protected, concerted activities to address working conditions, and the right to bargain collectively through chosen representatives. The NLRA also provides employees the right to refrain from participating in these activities.