NLRB Launches Electronic Spanish-Language Charge and Petition Filing
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Today, the National Labor Relations Board launched a Spanish language e-filing service on its website for users to file unfair labor practice charges and petitions for union elections. In March 2021, the NLRB launched a Spanish website with information about the National Labor Relations Board.
“As Chairman, I am committed to eliminating barriers to accessing the NLRB and increasing the public’s awareness of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act,” said Chairman Lauren McFerran. “By allowing workers, employers, and unions to file an unfair labor practice charge or union petition in Spanish, we’re going to reach a portion of the public that we may have previously been unable to engage with as effectively.”
As part of the NLRB’s increased efforts to reach Spanish-speakers, the NLRB has created Spanish Twitter accounts for the NLRB and the NLRB General Counsel, and has started posting news releases in Spanish.
“I want Spanish-speaking workers to know that we are here to protect and defend their rights,” said General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. “The Spanish e-filing system is a powerful step towards our goal of robust education, protection, and enforcement of workers’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act.”
An unfair labor practice charge must be filed within six months of the occurrence. The affected party or a member of the public can e-file an unfair labor practice charge. The NLRB has Information Officers at all Regional Offices available to assist a party or member of the public, if needed. The Regional Office where the charge is filed will investigate the charge and, if found meritorious, will issue a complaint, absent settlement.
To start an election process, a petition and associated documents can be e-filed with the nearest NLRB Regional Office showing support for the petition from at least 30% of employees in the group seeking representation. NLRB agents will then investigate to make sure the Board has jurisdiction, there is sufficient interest, and there are no existing labor contracts or recent elections that would bar an election.
Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year.