Effective March 3, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.
The Act amends the Federal Arbitration Act and limits the enforceability of U.S. employers’ mandatory arbitration agreements that require all employment-related claims to be arbitrated rather than litigated.
The Los Angeles sexual harassment attorney at the Leichter Law Firm, APC, Aryeh Leichter, supports each California employee’s right to pursue their employer through litigation instead of being forced to endure a form of alternative dispute resolution where their fate is in the hands of an intermediary.
What Does The Act Mean for California Employees?
Employees asserting sexual assault or sexual harassment claims under federal, state, or tribal law now have the option to bring their important claims before a judge — even if they had agreed to arbitrate such disputes before the claims arose.
In addition, the individuals or a named representative bringing sexual assault or sexual harassment claims may choose to proceed via a class or collective action even if they had waived the right to proceed collectively before the claims arose.
Going forward, employers that include arbitration clauses in their employment agreements should update their agreements as necessary to ensure that they comply with the Act.
If you are pursuing an employer for sexual assault or sexual harassment in California — whether you have previously signed an arbitration agreement or not — your rights have been expanded to include the ability to pursue the responsible party inside the courtroom.
The Leichter Law Firm, APC can help.
Contact the Leichter Law Firm, APC Sexual Harassment Lawyer in Los Angeles
Aryeh Leichter, the Leichter Law Firm, APC founder, and sexual harassment attorney in Los Angeles County, can help you pursue your employer for their unlawful behavior, starting with a free consultation by calling 818-915-6624 or contacting the firm online today.