The National Labor Relations Act, known as the Wagner Act, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the growing turmoil over labor rights in the United States during the Great Depression. In a time when workers faced harsh conditions and inadequate protections, the Act aimed to ensure employees could collectively organize and bargain with their employers without fear of retaliation. This legislation emerged as a response to numerous labor strikes and disputes that highlighted the need for a federal response to labor relations. The Act established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which was empowered to oversee and enforce the rights of employees to organize into unions and engage in collective bargaining. This was a significant shift in federal policy towards labor issues, as it recognized labor unions as legitimate representatives of workers. The Wagner Act also made it illegal for employers to engage in unfair labor practices that could discourage union membership or collective activities. The signing of the National Labor Relations Act marked a pivotal moment in labor relations, as it catalyzed the growth and strength of labor unions in the following decades. The Act contributed to a more equitable balance between labor and management, reshaping the landscape of American industry and workplace rights by facilitating increased union membership and enabling workers to negotiate better wages and working conditions.