What labor issue became a key focus in the legislation of the Taft-Hartley Act?

The Taft-Hartley Act, enacted in 1947, addressed various labor issues but became particularly focused on the replacement of striking workers. This legislation was significant because it aimed to curb the power of labor unions and placed limitations on their ability to strike. One of the key provisions of the act allowed employers to hire permanent replacements for workers who engaged in strikes that were not related to safety-related work stoppages. This essentially meant that when unions went on strike, employers could continue operations by bringing in replacement workers, which diminished the effectiveness of strikes as a bargaining tool for unions.

The act was passed in response to public concern about union activities, particularly during a time when labor strikes were frequent and sometimes disruptive to the economy. By allowing the replacement of striking workers, the Taft-Hartley Act sought to balance the power between labor and management, limiting unions' leverage in negotiations.

In contrast to this focus on strikes, options like child labor regulations, union membership enforcement, and minimum wage establishment were not primary concerns of the Taft-Hartley Act, which targeted the dynamics of union action and employer responses during labor disputes.