What was the purpose of the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)?

The National Labor Relations Act, commonly known as the Wagner Act, was established in 1935 during a period of significant labor unrest and economic struggle in the United States. Its primary purpose was to protect the rights of workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining without fear of retaliation from employers. This legislation was crucial in promoting labor unions and ensuring that workers had a legal framework to negotiate their working conditions, wages, and other employment terms.

By establishing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Wagner Act provided a means for workers to seek representation and engage in discussions with their employers as a collective entity, thereby strengthening their bargaining power. This act reflects the New Deal's emphasis on support for the working class and aimed to stabilize the economy by empowering workers to fight for better working conditions.

The other options relate to different aspects of economic and social policy but do not pertain to the specific provisions or goals of the Wagner Act. The regulation of stock market practices is linked to financial legislation, minimum wage laws address compensation specifically, and unemployment insurance relates to social welfare programs, none of which encapsulate the labor rights focus of the Wagner Act.