The NLRB is an independent Federal agency that protects the rights of private-sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve their wages and working conditions.

Before you file

If you have questions before filing a charge or petition, call us at 1-866-667-NLRB or reach out to your nearest regional office.

What can I expect?

  • Step 1

    Gather information to file your complaint:

    • Your name, address, and telephone number

    • The name, address, and telephone number of the employer (or employment agency or union) you want to file a complaint against

    • The number of employees employed there (if known)

    • A short description of the events you believe were discriminatory (for example, you were fired, demoted, harassed)

    • When the events took place

    • Why you believe you were discriminated against

  • Step 2

    Decide how you want to file:

  • Step 3

    After you file your complaint, we’ll give you a copy of it with a complaint number. We’ll review your complaint and contact you if we need more information.

  • Step 4

    We will work with you to answer your questions and determine whether an investigation is the best course of action. The average time for the investigation is seven to 12 weeks.

  • Step 5

    If the charge has merit, we will try to facilitate a settlement. If there is no settlement, a complaint will be issued to be heard by an Administrative Law Judge. The NLRB will represent the charging party.

File with NLRB