Arbitration of Employment Claims

• Author: Sandra K. Lauro
• Pages: 433-447

14-433

Chapter 14

ARBITRATION OF EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

Authored by Sandra K. Lauro

14:1. INTRODUCTION

14:2. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR ARBITRATION

A. Federal Arbitration Act

B. Texas General Arbitration Act

C. Applicability of Federal or State Statutes

14:3. THE WAFFLE HOUSE DECISION: THE EEOC’S RIGHT TO PURSUE LAWSUITS

14:4. FREQUENTLY LITIGATED ISSUES

A. Consent

B. Consideration

1. Reciprocal Promises to Arbitrate

2. Reservation of Rights to Amend or Terminate Arbitration Agreement

C. Scope of Arbitration Agreement

1. Broad Language Will Usually Cover Most Employment Claims

2. Coverage of Class or Collective Action Claims

3. Coverage of Disputes Distinct From Employment Relationship

D. Unconscionability

1. Deciding Questions of Unconscionability—Arbitrator of Courts

2. Procedural Unconscionability

3. Substantive Unconscionability

E. Repudiation or Breach of Contract

14:5. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ARBITRATION DECISIONS

A. Statutory Grounds for Vacating Award

B. Preservation of Appeal Issues

C. “Manifest Disregard of the Law” Standard

D. Contractual Modification of Standard of Review