What is the Taft-Hartley Act?

The Taft-Hartley Act is a United States federal law from 1947 that amended the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935. The act, also known as the Labor Management Relations Act, is one of the core labor laws in the United States dealing with labor unions and labor-management relations. The Taft-Hartley Act was pushed for by certain members of Congress who felt the NLRA was too favorable to labor unions, and the act aimed to reduce union power and give employers more negotiating power in labor disputes. The act accomplished this largely by allowing states to pass so-called “right to work” laws, which prevent unions from forcing workers to pay dues in exchange for union representation. It also outlawed certain union practices that had become common, such as closed shops and secondary boycotts. In Washington, the Taft-Hartley Act means that while labor unions are permitted to form and engage in collective bargaining, the state has the right to pass right to work laws that prevent unions from forcing dues on workers. Additionally, employers in the state are permitted to take certain actions during labor disputes or lockouts without fear of legal action from unions.

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What is the Taft-Hartley Act?

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