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Take Action on Your Findings

Your handbook analysis found 3 policies flagged for review. Here's how to file a charge with the NLRB.

3 steps to file a charge

It's free, takes about 10 minutes, and your employer cannot legally retaliate.

1
Save your report Download PDF
2
Copy your charge language
3 File on the NLRB website

File Your Charge at NLRB.gov

Opens the NLRB's online filing wizard in a new tab

Everything you need to know

What is a ULP charge?

An Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge is a formal complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the federal agency that enforces workers' rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

When your employer maintains handbook policies that have a reasonable tendency to chill employees from exercising their rights — like discussing wages, organizing, or raising concerns about working conditions — that's an unfair labor practice. Filing a charge asks the NLRB to investigate and, if warranted, order your employer to fix the problematic policies.

Your suggested charge language

When you file online, the NLRB will ask you to describe the basis of your charge. Here's suggested language based on your analysis:

Within the past six months, the above-named Employer has maintained rules in its employee handbook regarding Civility, Confidentiality, No-Recording that may interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of rights guaranteed by Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. These rules have a reasonable tendency to chill employees from exercising their rights to engage in protected concerted activity, including discussing wages and working conditions, organizing, and raising concerns about working conditions.

You can customize this — the key points are the Section 8(a)(1) violation and the specific policy areas identified in your handbook.

What you'll need when filing

Your employer's name and address

Usually on your pay stub, the handbook, or the company website
Your contact information

Name, address, phone, and email — the NLRB needs this to communicate with you
Description of the charge

We've prepared this for you — see the suggested language above
A copy of your employee handbook

The same PDF you uploaded here — you'll submit it as supporting evidence

Step-by-step walkthrough

1

Save your analysis report

Download a PDF copy of your analysis to reference while filling out the NLRB form. This is your record of what was found.
Download Report PDF
2

File your charge on the NLRB website — ~10 minutes

The NLRB has an online wizard that walks you through the entire process. You'll create a free account and fill out the charge form step by step. When it asks for the basis of your charge, use the suggested language above.
3

Upload your handbook as evidence

After submitting, the NLRB will assign you a case number within a few business days. Log back into the portal and upload a copy of your employee handbook as a supporting document.

After you file

The NLRB will assign a case number and email it to you within a few business days. An NLRB agent will review your charge, may request additional information, and will contact you about next steps.

Once you have your case number, log back into the NLRB portal and upload your employee handbook as a supporting document. You can also reference your downloaded analysis report when communicating with the NLRB.

Note: The Board is currently experiencing a backlog, so the investigation process may take some time.

Your employer cannot legally retaliate against you

Section 8(a)(4) of the NLRA makes it an unfair labor practice for an employer to fire, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against an employee for filing a charge with the NLRB. If your employer retaliates against you, that's a separate violation — and the Board takes retaliation very seriously.