Arbitration is a fairer, faster, and less expensive way to resolve disputes than time-consuming and expensive litigation.
Parties involved in arbitration are effectively opting out of the court system and submitting their dispute for resolution by a neutral, third party arbitrator. Arbitration is generally faster, less expensive and more informal than going to court. It also has the advantage of being private and confidential.
Arbitration agreements are a way that employers try to avoid being sued by employees for employment law violations, such as wage and hour violations or sexual harassment.
If possible, avoid the use of technical jargon or "shop talk." Remember that the arbitrator may not know the details of your work or the Postal Service. However, if you must use "shop talk" to clarify a point, be sure to briefly define what you mean.
(1) An agreement contained in a record to submit to arbitration any existing or subsequent controversy arising between the parties to the agreement is valid, enforceable, and irrevocable except upon a ground that exists at law or in equity for the revocation of contract.
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.
An arbitration proceeding is similar to a regular court trial. The main difference is that arbitration can be either binding or non-binding, as agreed in advance by the disputing parties. If binding arbitration has been chosen, the decision or award is final.
No claim exceeds the jurisdictional limit of $100,000, exclusive of attorney's fees, interest, or costs.