29 CFR 1977.17 : Labor (§ 0.735-1 To Parts 4908-4999) — (Part 1927 To Parts 4908-4999) — Regulations Relating To Labor (Continued) (Part 1927 To Parts 4908-4999) — Occupational Safety And Health Administration, Department Of Labor (Continued) (Part 1927 To Parts 1991-1999) — Discrimination Against Employees Exercising Rights Under The Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety And Health Act Of 1970 (§ 1977.1 To § 1977.23) — Procedures (§ 1977.15 To § 1977.18) — Withdrawal of complaint.

Enforcement of the provisions of section 11(c) is not only a matter of protecting rights of individual employees, but also of public interest. Attempts by an employee to withdraw a previously filed complaint will not necessarily result in termination of the Secretary's investigation. The Secretary's jurisdiction cannot be foreclosed as a matter of law by unilateral action of the employee. However, a voluntary and uncoerced request from a complainant to withdraw his complaint will be given careful consideration and substantial weight as a matter of policy and sound enforcement procedure.