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How Do You File an NLRB Charge?

Learn how to file an NLRB charge, who can file against an employer or union, and why contacting the right regional office matters.

Direct answer

To file an NLRB charge, use the NLRB's official e-filing path or contact the regional office that covers your area for help with charge forms. Charges may be filed against an employer or a labor organization when you believe rights under the National Labor Relations Act were violated.

possible NLRA rights violation + charge form or e-file path = NLRB charge

Before filing a charge

Employer or union?

Identifies who the charge is against

Name the respondent

What happened?

Frames the alleged violation

Write dates and events

Where did it happen?

Routes regionally

Use workplace location

Can you e-file?

Fastest entry point

Use official NLRB e-file

Need filing help?

Regional offices assist with process

Contact covered region

Question	Why it matters	Action
Employer or union?	Identifies who the charge is against	Name the respondent
What happened?	Frames the alleged violation	Write dates and events
Where did it happen?	Routes regionally	Use workplace location
Can you e-file?	Fastest entry point	Use official NLRB e-file
Need filing help?	Regional offices assist with process	Contact covered region

Charges and petitions are different

Use a charge when you are alleging unlawful conduct. Use a petition when you are trying to start a representation-election process or another representation case.

File the charge

1Identify whether the issue involves an employer, union, or both.
2Write down what happened, dates, locations, witnesses, and supporting documents.
3Find the regional office that covers the workplace if you need help.
4Use the NLRB e-filing entry point or the regional office filing path.
5Keep confirmation details and respond to regional-office follow-up during investigation.

FAQ

Can I file an NLRB charge online?

Yes. The NLRB provides an electronic filing entry point for charges and petitions, and regional offices can help with filing questions.

Can NLRB charges be filed against unions as well as employers?

Yes. The NLRB says charges may be filed against employers or labor organizations when rights under the National Labor Relations Act are believed to have been violated.

Can my employer retaliate for filing an NLRB charge?

No. The NLRB says it is unlawful for an employer or union to retaliate against someone for filing a charge or participating in an NLRB investigation.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.