The NLRB is an independent federal agency that protects most private-sector employees' rights to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages and working conditions, including to organize, bargain collectively, or refrain from doing so. It conducts secret-ballot union elections and investigates and remedies unfair labor practices by employers and unions.
Created by Congress under the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) (Pub. L. 74-198, 49 Stat. 449 (July 5, 1935); 29 U.S.C. §§ 151-169 (Board at 29 U.S.C. § 153)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
