Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

What major outcome resulted from the Norris-La Guardia Act?

1. Increased union participation

2. Prohibition of labor strikes

3. Legalization of "yellow dog" contracts

4. Restrictions on peaceful picketing

The correct answer is: Increased union participation

The Norris-La Guardia Act, enacted in 1932, had a significant impact on labor relations in the United States, primarily by increasing union participation. This legislation aimed to protect the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining and join labor unions without facing restrictions from employers. One of the key features of the Act was its prohibition against "yellow dog" contracts, which were agreements requiring workers to pledge not to join a union as a condition of employment. By making such contracts unenforceable, the Norris-La Guardia Act empowered workers to organize and participate in unions more freely, ultimately leading to a surge in union membership during the Great Depression and beyond. Additionally, the Act restricted the use of federal injunctions against strikes, picketing, and boycotts, thus fostering an environment where workers felt more secure in expressing their rights and grievances through collective action. This legal support for union activities contributed to the substantial growth in union participation in the years following the Act's passage, making it a pivotal moment in the history of labor relations in the United States.