What does the Taft-Hartley Act primarily do?

The Taft-Hartley Act primarily imposes restrictions on labor union activities, making it a significant piece of legislation in the realm of labor relations in the United States. Enacted in 1947, this act was designed to balance the power between labor unions and employers, addressing concerns about the influence and practices of unions that were seen as potentially harmful to both the economy and individual workers' rights.

The act includes provisions that prohibit certain actions by unions, such as secondary boycotts and jurisdictional strikes. It also allows states to pass "right-to-work" laws, which can limit union power and membership. Furthermore, Taft-Hartley sets up rules for union elections and requires union leaders to affirm they are not members of the Communist Party, reflecting the political context of the time.

In summary, the core function of the Taft-Hartley Act is to regulate the scope and activities of labor unions, ensuring that there is a degree of control over union actions that could disrupt the labor market or harm economic interests. The other options refer to wage standards, family leave benefits, and workplace safety, which are addressed in different legislation, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health