Definition

Proper noun: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent federal agency of the United States government. Its primary function is to administer and enforce the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRB is charged with protecting the rights of private sector employees to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in other concerted activities for mutual aid or protection. A key aspect of its work involves mediating disputes and adjudicating unfair labor practice charges between management (employers) and labor unions.

Usage

The term "National Labor Relations Board" is used as a singular, proper noun to refer specifically to this U.S. government agency. It is often abbreviated as "NLRB." It is used in legal, business, labor relations, and political contexts.

Examples

• The union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.
• A ruling by the National Labor Relations Board can set important precedents for labor law.
• The company's actions were found to be in violation of the law by the National Labor Relations Board.

Advanced Usage

• "NLRB election": Refers to a secret-ballot election conducted by the Board to determine whether employees wish to be represented by a union.
  • The workers petitioned for an NLRB election to vote on union representation.
• "NLRB decision": Refers to a formal ruling or order issued by the Board.
  • The NLRB decision was appealed to a federal circuit court.

Variants and Related Words

• NLRB: The standard and widely used acronym for the National Labor Relations Board.
• The Board: A common shorthand reference used in legal and labor contexts to mean the National Labor Relations Board.
  • The Board dismissed the complaint for lack of evidence.

Synonyms

• Labor relations agency (general term, not a proper synonym)
• Federal labor board (general term, not a proper synonym)

Note: There are no true synonyms for this specific, unique federal agency. The terms above are descriptive but do not refer exclusively to the NLRB.

Noun

1. an independent agency of the United States government charged with mediating disputes between management and labor unions