Lawmakers moved a step closer to restoring our ability to sue companies in a court of law rather than being forced to arbitrate. The Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act (FAIR Act) would end company forced arbitration and allow consumers as well as employees to sue companies in federal court.
According to the Economic Policy Institute approximately 60 million American workers are barred from suing their employer even when fighting serious claims as discrimination, civil rights violations and sexual harassment.
Why Limit Arbitration Agreements
J.P. Morgan Chase rolled out new legal agreements requiring most of its consumers and employees to go before an arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators, who may even be hired by the company, to decide the final outcome of your dispute.
Companies claim that the use arbitration saves everyone involved time and money. But whether consumers or employees are actually treated fairly can be disputed.
Why The Ability To Sue Matters
Public lawsuits are important to help reveal larger issues and helps to expedite and encourage change at the company level. Unfortunately, there may not be sufficient understanding of the importance of such a bill until more are negatively impacted by forced arbitration.