What was the main purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947?

The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 was primarily designed to regulate labor strikes and union activities. This legislation came as a response to the growing influence and power of labor unions post-World War II, which some lawmakers believed had become too strong and sometimes disrupted the economy with strikes.

The Act imposed several restrictions on union activities, including prohibiting secondary boycotts, jurisdictional strikes, and closed shops. It also mandated that union leaders sign affidavits affirming they were not members of the Communist Party, reflecting the political climate of the time during the Cold War. This regulation was intended to balance the power between unions and employers and to safeguard the rights of non-union workers.

In contrast, options that suggest enhancing union power or providing tax incentives misrepresent the Act's intent, as the legislation was aimed at curtailing union authority rather than promoting it. Although cooperative bargaining is an important aspect of labor relations, it was not a specific focus of the Taft-Hartley Act.