There are some benefits to arbitration if something goes wrong for you alone because it can be easier and faster to navigate than going to court. That being said, if you would prefer to have access to class action lawsuits, then opting out might be the better option for you.
As a result, many companies have implemented alternative dispute resolution programs, many of which include employment arbitration agreements. In these agreements, the employer and employee agree to resolve any employment-related dispute through a binding arbitration as opposed to a jury trial.
The Request must: be written in English, French or Spanish (the official languages of the Centre) include the name and contact details of all parties (including e-mail, street address and telephone number) be signed and dated by the requesting party or its representative.
The brief should include identification of the parties, a concise description of the facts, and applicable case law and statutes. The briefs should be submitted to the arbitrator at least 2 days prior to the arbitration hearing.
Arbitration might be the right choice for some cases. Limited discovery rights and costs might be useful when less is at stake. Arbitration might feel less adversarial, which could be an advantage where ongoing relationships are hoped to be preserved. Arbitration lends some confidentiality.
Parties are encouraged to file their Requests electronically using ICC Case Connect. Via the Request form, claimant(s) will be invited to supply key information in relation to their Request, and to upload their Request and any relevant annexes.
Arbitration agreements have become a common feature in employment contracts across the United States, including California. These agreements require employees to waive their right to sue their employers in court and instead resolve disputes through arbitration.
Generally there's no real benefit to the employee for binding arbitration. There's definitely disadvantages. Most tend to include, as yours apparently does, clauses forbidding bringing class actions against the employer.
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It allows both sides to present their case in an expedited fashion to a panel of three attorneys who render a decision that same day.
Arbitration is a contract-based form of binding dispute resolution. In other words, a party's right to refer a dispute to arbitration depends on the existence of an agreement (the “arbitration agreement”) between them and the other parties to the dispute that the dispute may be referred to arbitration.