Which of the following was a goal of the Railway Labor Act (RLA)?

The goal of the Railway Labor Act (RLA) was primarily to encourage the resolution of labor disputes without resorting to strikes. This legislation, enacted in 1926, was designed to establish mechanisms for mediation and arbitration to address conflicts that might arise between railway companies and their employees. By promoting negotiation and cooperative conflict resolution, the RLA sought to maintain a stable and uninterrupted rail service, which is crucial for both commerce and the public.

The focus on resolving disputes through dialogue rather than strikes reflects a fundamental intention of the legislation to mitigate disruptions in transportation and, by extension, the economy. This approach emphasizes the importance of improving labor-management relations and ensuring that any disagreements are addressed within a structured legal framework, thus minimizing the potential for strikes that can cause widespread inconvenience and economic fallout.

Other options, like establishing a minimum wage for rail workers or regulating train scheduling, were not primary goals of the RLA. While promoting the establishment of rail unions was part of the broader labor movement during this era, the main thrust of the RLA was centered on dispute resolution and maintaining a functioning labor framework in the rail industry.