Final answer:
The Wagner Act encouraged union membership by protecting workers' rights to collective bargaining, prohibiting employment discrimination against union members, and establishing the NLRB to enforce labor practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wagner Act played a pivotal role in encouraging people to join unions by providing federal support for collective bargaining and mitigating employer retaliation. Before the Wagner Act, workers attempting to organize or join unions often faced significant opposition from their employers, including discrimination and termination.
The Wagner Act addressed these issues by prohibiting discriminatory practices against union members, requiring employers to recognize the legitimacy of unions, and establishing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to oversee fair labor practices and resolve disputes between unions and employers.
This legislation effectively leveled the playing field, giving workers the confidence and legal backing needed to freely associate and negotiate for better wages, hours, and working conditions.