What occurs if a charge leads to a formal complaint issued by the NLRB?

When a charge leads to a formal complaint issued by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the process moves forward to an administrative law judge hearing. This step is crucial in resolving disputes related to unfair labor practices or other violations of the National Labor Relations Act.

During this hearing, both the union and the employer can present their cases, and the administrative law judge will examine the evidence and hear testimonies before making a decision. This process is part of the NLRB's efforts to enforce workers' rights and promote fair labor practices.

The other actions listed—ignoring the complaint, settling out of court, or referring the case to federal court—do not accurately reflect the standard procedure following the issuance of a formal complaint by the NLRB. Instead, the formal complaint represents an established pathway through which matters are addressed in a structured judicial-like setting designed to ensure fairness in handling labor disputes.