Today, Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) joined Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4) to introduce the Arbitration Fairness Act. Forced arbitration forces Americans to choose between improving conditions at their jobs or keeping their jobs. These binding contracts infringe upon the right of all Americans to due process in a court of law. Forced arbitration effectively enables corporations to avoid accountability for even the most egregious abuses.

By amending the Federal Arbitration Act, this bill would prohibit the use of mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer, antitrust, civil rights, and employment contracts that are not collectively bargained. The Arbitration Fairness Act will ensure access to proper adjudication and increase transparency regarding these disputes. Whereas the current laws allow employers to shroud wrongdoing in secrecy, this bill will guarantee corporate accountability and provide the necessary safeguards of the American civil justice system.

A copy of the Arbitration Fairness Act is available here.