In 1935 the United States was struggling through the Depression and many workers were being treated unfairly by employers who took advantage of their desperate situation. The National Labor Relations Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Franklin Roosevelt to establish guidelines for protecting workers. The Act basically protects employee who want to form or join a union and protects employees from discrimination. Guidelines were also established for minimum wage. Employees were given the right to vote on whether or not they would want to join a union or not. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was established to hear complaints and render decisions.