The Wagner Act, What is it?

Labor legislation passed by the U.S. Congress, which was sponsored by Sen. R. Wagner. The act protected workers' rights to form unions and to bargain collectively. A three-member National Labor Relations Board was established to supervise union elections and prohibit employers from engaging in unfair labor practices. The act, considered the most important piece of labor legislation in the 20th century helped ensure union support for Pres. F. Roosevelt in the 1936 election.