Legal Resources

Know Your Rights

Workers in the United States have legally protected rights to organize and coordinate. Understanding these rights empowers you to take action safely and effectively.

Section 7 of the NLRA

The Foundation of Workers' Rights to Organize

What Section 7 Says:

"Employees shall have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection..."

What This Means for You:

  • You can discuss wages, benefits, and working conditions with coworkers
  • You can organize to improve your workplace—even without a union
  • You can coordinate collective action with coworkers
  • Your employer cannot retaliate against you for organizing
  • These rights apply to most private-sector workers

Important Note:

Section 7 protects "concerted activity" - meaning you're acting with or on behalf of other workers. Individual complaints may not be protected, but organizing with coworkers is.

Read More on NLRB Website

Protected Activities

These activities are legally protected under Section 7

  • ✓Discussing pay and benefits with coworkers
  • ✓Organizing a petition about working conditions
  • ✓Meeting with coworkers to discuss workplace issues
  • ✓Coordinating collective demands to management
  • ✓Refusing to work under unsafe conditions (as a group)
  • ✓Supporting coworkers in workplace disputes

Prohibited Employer Actions

Employers cannot legally do these things

  • ✗Fire or discipline you for organizing
  • ✗Threaten workers who discuss organizing
  • ✗Interrogate workers about union activity
  • ✗Spy on or surveil organizing meetings
  • ✗Promise benefits to discourage organizing
  • ✗Create policies that ban workplace discussions

Who is Covered by the NLRA?

Covered Workers:

  • Most private-sector employees
  • Full-time and part-time workers
  • Workers in "right to work" states
  • Non-unionized workers

Exceptions (Not Covered):

  • Federal, state, and local government employees
  • Agricultural workers
  • Independent contractors (though classification may be disputed)
  • Supervisors and managers
  • Railroad and airline workers (covered under separate laws)

Even if you're not covered by the NLRA, you may have organizing rights under state law. Check your local labor laws.

If Your Rights Are Violated

Steps to take if your employer retaliates against organizing

  1. Document Everything: Keep records of incidents, emails, and witnesses
  2. File with the NLRB: You have 6 months to file an unfair labor practice charge
  3. Contact a Labor Attorney: Get legal advice if you've been retaliated against
  4. Reach Out to Worker Centers: Local organizations can provide support

File with the NLRB:

NLRB - File a Charge

Additional Resources

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

www.nlrb.gov

Worker Rights Hotline

1-844-762-6572 (NLRB)

Labor Education & Research Network

Labor and Working-Class History Association

Legal Disclaimer:

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Labor law is complex and varies by jurisdiction. For specific legal questions, consult a qualified labor attorney in your area.