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        United States Department of Labor
                    U.S. Department of Labor

        Wage and Hour Division
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How to File a Complaint

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        How to File a Complaint
                                        Information You Need to File a Complaint
                      Third-Party Complaints
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        Spanish Version

The Wage and Hour Division is responsible for enforcing some of the nation’s most comprehensive federal labor laws. The workers who are protected by these laws often want to know: *How do we do what we do?*

Many investigations are initiated by complaints, which are confidential. The name of the complainant, the nature of the complaint, and whether a complaint exists may not be disclosed. An employer cannot retaliate against a worker for exercising their rights, filing a complaint or cooperating with an investigation.

Complaint Process

Gather Information

	Gather Information

	Gather information you will need to file your complaint. While third-party complainants may not be able to provide all the information needed, the more information made available the better we can address concerns raised.
	Decide How to File

	Decide How to File

	Reach out to us online or call 1-866-487-9243.
	We Work with You

	We Work with You

	We will work with you to answer your questions and determine whether an investigation is the best course of action.

Information You Need to File a ComplaintInformation You Need to File a Complaint

	Gather information you will need to file your complaint with us.

	Learn Moreabout Information You Need to File a Complaint
	Visits to EmployersYour hours and pay - Essential workers

	Learn more about the investigation process and the laws we cover.

	Learn Moreabout Visits to Employers
	FAQsYour hours and pay - Essential workers

	Frequently asked questions and answers about filing a complaint with WHD.

	Learn Moreabout FAQsIn addition to complaints, we select certain types of businesses or industries for investigation. We target low-wage industries, for example, because of high rates of violations or egregious violations, the employment of vulnerable workers, or rapid changes in an industry, such as growth or decline.

Here’s a breakdown of our typical investigation processes, regardless of whether the investigation starts from a complaint or an agency-initiated investigation:

Investigation Process

Initial Conference

	Initial Conference

	Our investigator holds an initial conference with the employer and/or the employer’s representative and tours the employer’s establishment.
	Conducting Interview

	Conducting Interviews

	Our investigator interviews employees in private.
	Reviewing Records

	Reviewing Records

	The WHD investigator reviews the employer’s records to determine compliance.
	Final Conference

	Final Conference

	We hold a final conference with the employer and/or the employer’s representative to discuss any violations found and how to correct them. If back wages are owed to employees, the investigator will request payment of back wages.If you have questions or concerns, you can call us at 1-866-487-9243 or visit dol.gov/agencies/whd. You will be directed to the nearest WHD office for assistance. There are WHD offices throughout the country with trained professionals to help you.Scroll to Top

      Topics
              Worker Rights
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        An agency within the U.S. Department of Labor
      

                        200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 202101-866-4-US-WAGE1-866-487-9243
            
      
      

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