What is the significance of the Taft-Hartley Act on unions like the ILWU?

The Taft-Hartley Act is significant for unions like the ILWU because it restricts certain union activities, thereby impacting how unions can operate. Enacted in 1947, the Act was designed to balance the power between labor unions and employers, mostly in response to perceived excesses of union power. It specifically prohibits secondary boycotts, jurisdictional strikes, and closed shops, which limit unions' ability to organize and exert pressure on employers. Furthermore, the Act requires union leaders to sign affidavits affirming they are not members of the Communist Party, influencing the leadership dynamics within unions. Therefore, the Act introduces a framework that imposes legal constraints on unions, shaping their strategies and operations in significant ways.

The other options do not align with the intent and impact of the Taft-Hartley Act. While some may argue that unions gained more structure under the Act, it is not accurate to say it expanded their powers, as it primarily instituted limitations. The claim that it has no effect on union operations overlooks the substantial regulatory framework the Act created. Lastly, while minimum wage laws are critical to labor discussions, the Taft-Hartley Act itself does not establish such requirements; those are typically addressed through different legislation.