What federal law protects employees from termination for participating in union activities?

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is the federal law that specifically protects employees' rights to engage in union activities. Enacted in 1935, it guarantees employees the right to form, join, or assist labor organizations and engage in collective bargaining. It also prohibits employers from interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of these rights.

This law is pivotal for ensuring that employees can participate in union activities without fear of retaliation, including termination. It establishes the legal framework for labor relations in the United States, empowering employees to advocate for their interests collectively through unions and protecting them against unfair labor practices.

Understanding this context is essential, especially when contrasting it with the other laws mentioned. The Fair Labor Standards Act primarily focuses on wage and hour regulations, such as minimum wage and overtime pay, rather than protecting union activities. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII addresses discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin but does not specifically pertain to union participation. The Landrum-Griffin Act, while it does contain provisions related to labor unions, primarily regulates the internal affairs of unions and protects union members from excessive bureaucracy and corruption within their own organizations rather than directly protecting employee