A properly implemented employment arbitration program can provide a variety of benefits to employers and employees alike. Many employers have robust arbitration programs that require both the employer and its employees to arbitrate any covered claim either may have against the other. These arbitration programs also very often contain a class and collective action waiver, whereby employees who are part of the program agree not only to waive a jury trial in favor of arbitration but also to waive their right to proceed collectively in a class or collective action lawsuit against their employer. The United States Supreme Court has issued a series of opinions in recent years that leave no doubt as to the enforceability of employment arbitration agreements that contain class and collection action waivers. The result has been to provide employers with an important tool to stem the ever-increasing tide of class and collective employment-related litigation.
Home > Federal Law Articles > Human Resources > Arbitration Of Claims > Is Your Arbitration Agreement in an Employee Handbook? The Eighth Circuit Issues a Reminder: Arbitration Agreements Must be Contracts