Forced arbitration is when employees faced with an issue at work are forced to have an arbitration instead of being able to go to court with a fair judge and jury. Often times, as a condition of employment, employers will not hire a worker, or could possibly fire a worker, unless they “consent” to an arbitration clause. Other times it is just assumed that employees agreed to it if they continue to work for their employer after an arbitration policy is announced.
Arbitrators are not judges. They do not need to know the law or have any relevant experience. Even though the arbitrators are not judges, their decisions are final. Also, there are no appeals for arbitrator decisions. They do not have to justify their decisions and the process takes place behind closed doors with no public record. The arbitrators charge parties for their services and often work for the same employer numerous times, tipping the odds significantly in the favor of the employer. One arbitrator and retired trial judge even stated, “You would have to be unconscious not to be aware that if you rule a certain way, you can compromise your future business.”
Continue Reading Arbitration Fairness Act (AFA), H.R. 1873 and S. 987