U.S. Court of Appeals Rules Employer Arbitration Agreements Can Limit Class Actions

The decision came after defendant; Ernst & Young LLP appealed the district court’s decision denying its motion to compel arbitration of state wage and hour claims brought by its former employee, Michelle Richards. The district court ruled that the defendant had waived its right to arbitration by failing to raise the agreement as a defense early in litigation. However, plaintiff Richards’ action was consolidated with other former employees’ claims at a later date.

In reversing the district court’s decision, the Court of Appeals noted that waiver of a contractual right to arbitration is not favored. Therefore, any party arguing waiver of the right has a heavy burden of proof which includes demonstrating: (1) knowledge of an existing right to compel arbitration; (2) acts inconsistent with that right; and (3) prejudice to the party opposing arbitration resulting from the inconsistent acts.

The plaintiff argued prejudice as a result of the defendant’s failure to compel arbitration at an earlier date, after she had already provided pretrial information and incurred expenses. However, the Court of Appeals ruled this was insufficient prejudice. Plaintiff further argued she was prejudiced as there were meritorious arguments and as a result of compelling arbitration, some of her claims were dismissed. However, the Court noted that one of her claims was dismissed without prejudice, which did not constitute a decision on the merits. Furthermore, another of her claims was resolved when it was determined that she lacked standing to bring the claim- a decision that precedes and does not involve any analysis of the merits.

Last of all, the plaintiff argued that the Court should follow a decision of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in D.R. Horton, 357 N.L.R.B. No. 184, 2012 WL36274 (Jan. 3, 2012) in which it was held that an arbitration agreement that did not allow employees to file joint, class, of collective employment related claims was invalid. The Court of Appeals declined to entertain the argument, as it was not properly raised before the district court for argument. However, it more importantly noted that it, as well as a majority of courts, have declined to follow the NLRB’s decision because it conflict with explicit pronouncements of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) 9 U.S.C. §§ 1–16. It specifically noted that the U.S. Supreme Court recently reiterated the importance of courts enforcing arbitration agreements, including those whose subject matter involves claims of federal law violations.

This case is important for employers, who may be able to limit their exposure to class actions by utilizing mandatory arbitration agreements such as the one in this case. Employers should be careful to understand the benefits of litigation versus arbitration and seek advice from an experienced attorney regarding the use of such an agreement in its employment contracts.

This blog was originally posted on September 19 on the Jampol Zimet website. Click hereto read the original entry.