ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

Federal Laws Regulating the Workplace

What types of employers are covered under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) ?

The NLRA covers only private employers that have an impact on interstate commerce. It specifically excludes public employers, railway and airline employers, and people who are employed as agricultural laborers. Generally, the dollar volume of business the company generates determines whether it affects interstate commerce. For example, the law covers a retail or service establishment with annual gross receipts of at least $500,000. It also covers manufacturing companies that ship at least $50,000 worth of goods across state lines, or that purchase at least $50,000 worth of goods from out of state. The NLRA also covers labor unions. Remember, however, that state labor relations acts might cover an employer not covered by the NLRA.