Question

What did the Taft-Hartley Act do?

Answer 1

Hint: In 1947, Congress passed the Taft-Hartley Act over a veto from President Harry S. Truman. During World War II, the increasing influence of labour unions was checked by bringing a change in federal law that restricted the power of these unions.

Complete answer:
In 1947, Congress passed the Taft-Hartley Act, also known as the Labour Management Relations Act, over a veto from President Harry S. Truman. This act nullified significant provisions of the Wagner Act.

The Taft-Hartley Act retained the rights of labour unions to collectively assemble and bargain, but also prohibited “closed” shops, giving workers the right to refuse to join a union. The “union” shops were allowed only if a majority of employees voted for it. It further provided the President the right to appoint a board of inquiry to look into labour disputes or ask the Attorney General for a federal injunction if it appears that a strike would harm national health or safety.

Further, the Act also placed limitations on political contributions by unions and required union officers to reject under oath any Communist association.


Note: The Wagner Act was the first crucial part of U.S. labour legislation and was known at the time as "Labour’s Bill of Rights." The Wagner Act provided workers the right to organize, join labour unions, collectively bargain through representatives of their choosing, and strike. Under the Act, both "closed" shops and "union" shops were lawfully allowed. The Act also instituted the National Labour Relations Board.