Which act was designed to help organized labor during the Progressive Era?

The Clayton Anti-Trust Act was specifically designed to support organized labor during the Progressive Era by addressing issues of competition and labor rights. This act aimed to strengthen previous antitrust legislation, particularly the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, by prohibiting specific practices that hindered competition, such as price discrimination and exclusive dealings.

Importantly, the Clayton Anti-Trust Act included provisions that protected labor unions and agricultural organizations from being prosecuted as illegal combinations in restraint of trade. This was significant because it provided legal protections for workers’ right to organize and strike, enhancing the power and influence of labor organizations during a time when workers were advocating for better conditions and rights.

The other acts mentioned did not focus on labor rights. The Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act were primarily concerned with consumer protection and food safety, while the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was more about preventing monopolies and protecting economic competition without specific provisions for labor organizations. Thus, the Clayton Anti-Trust Act stands out as the legislation that most directly supported organized labor during this transformative period in American history.