What is Employment Arbitration?

Arbitration is an alternative method to court for method for resolving disputes between an employee/worker and their employer, such as harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.  Arbitration has its own set of rules and procedures and an “arbitrator” presides over the case, instead of an active judge in court. The arbitrator has the ability to rule on the case and issue orders.

In California, companies and employees must have a written agreement to submit their disputes to binding arbitration, instead of court. There are specific requirements that must be met before the company and employee have to submit to arbitration for their dispute.

There are both advantages and disadvantages of arbitration and there are times that the arbitration agreement is not valid and enforceable. Therefore, it is very important to discuss your rights with an experienced employment lawyer.