What is Forced Arbitration?
Forced arbitration has become rampant in the United States as corporations use this secretive system to silence sexual harassment survivors, take advantage of workers and consumers, and undermine public health and safety. It leaves you with no choice: either give up your right to seek justice and accountability or forego the job, product, or service you need altogether. In 2018, more than 800 million consumer forced arbitration clauses were in effect, and this staggering number continues to grow daily.
Studies show that within the next 5 years, 80% of non-union private sector workers will be unable to sue their employers due to forced arbitration. The Constitution established the 7th Amendment right to trial by jury for all Americans, but corporations continue to skirt the law and deny you this fundamental right.
Forced arbitration affects nearly EVERYONE who has ever:
It’s no accident that forced arbitration is permeating nearly every aspect of our society.
When corporations force you to surrender your rights – often without your knowledge – corporations have all the power. They can use forced arbitration to secretly silence claims, even when they break the law. Forced arbitration is conducted in private, so companies have zero incentive to change their behavior. That means a boss can keep harassing a worker, a bank can keep charging bogus fees, and a nursing home can continue letting its residents live in squalor.
It’s unconscionable, unjust, and it’s probably already affecting you or someone you know.
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Forced arbitration affects all Americans on a daily basis – there is no sector that is spared from this abhorrent practice. Victims of forced arbitration range from military veterans to nursing home patients, to consumers and small businesses, and sexual assault survivors. If you have a cell phone contract, hold a job, rent or buy a car, own a credit card, have a bank account, or carry a student loan, you are likely subject to forced arbitration and don’t even know you have signed away your rights. These are just some examples of victims that have come forward to share their stories and put a face to this pernicious practice, but, the face of forced arbitration is all of us.
Report: The Truth About Forced Arbitration
Forced arbitration’s proponents counter that the process is faster, fairer, and better for workers and consumers than going to court. However, this comprehensive analysis of the self-reported data provided by the arbitration organizations makes clear that forced arbitration is not an alternative judicial process, but instead eliminates claims, immunizes corporations, and allows abuse, discrimination, fraud, and essentially all other corporate wrongdoing to go unchecked.
Forced Arbitration in the News
Harper’s BAZAAR: Eliza Dushku: “I can’t go back to a system that requires me to sign away my rights”
In 2017, the actor discovered that a 'forced arbitration clause' in her contract prevented her…
