Arbitration

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In a recent letter dated July 30, 2019, several New York lawmakers criticize Ernst & Young’s apparent intention to require sexual harassment claimant Karen Ward to pursue her claims in arbitration as opposed to in court. This letter highlights and underscores the evils of forced arbitration, particularly in the sexual harassment context. From the letter:…

Read More NY Lawmakers Underscore Unfairness of Forced Arbitration in Letter to Ernst & Young
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In a recent New York State Court filing, petitioner Andrea Tantaros – in the matter of Tantaros v. Fox News Channel, LLC et al, Index No. 156936/2019 – seeks a Temporary Restraining Order precluding Respondents from continuing to arbitrate Petitioner’s sexual harassment allegations, to grant her request for a preliminary and permanent injunction staying the…

Read More Andrea Tantaros Attempts to Utilize NY’s New Anti-Arbitration Law in New Filing
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In Bugtani v. Dish Network LLC, 2019 WL 2914158 (EDNY 2019), the court, inter alia, held that plaintiff’s employment discrimination and sexual harassment claims under Title VII of the New York State and City Human Rights Laws were subject to arbitration. From the decision: The arbitration agreement that the plaintiff signed is broad, see Johnston…

Read More Employment Discrimination, Sexual Harassment (Non-SOX) Claims Are Subject to Arbitration, Court Holds
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In Latif v. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 2019 WL 2610985 (SDNY June 26, 2019), the court held that plaintiff’s claims of employment discrimination were subject to mandatory arbitration. In this case, plaintiff “alleges that, beginning in the fall of 2017, he became the target of, inter alia, inappropriate comments regarding his sexual orientation, inappropriate…

Read More Arbitration Compelled in Sexual Harassment Case, Notwithstanding New State Law
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Last year, New York enacted several pieces of legislation that enhance protections for sexual harassment victims. One such provision, codified in CPLR 7515, prohibits (with certain exceptions) mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims. The law provides, in full: (a) Definitions. As used in this section: 1. The term “employer” shall have the same meaning as…

Read More New York Law Prohibiting Mandatory Arbitration in Sexual Harassment Cases
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From Gallagher v. Pepe Auto Group et al, 18-cv-3433, 2019 WL 801955 (SDNy Feb. 21, 2019): Here, the arbitration agreement, which provides, “Any dispute under this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration,” is broad. Therefore, there is a presumption of arbitrability regarding plaintiff’s claims that arise under the Employment Agreement. Those claims include plaintiff’s…

Read More Employment Discrimination Claims (But Not Post-Termination Claims) Subject to Arbitration
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Facebook will be ending forced arbitration for sexual harassment claims; Google will be doing the same. This, from the victims’ perspective, is a good thing, as it permits them access to a wider range of options and remedies should they elect to proceed with their claims. What is Arbitration?[1]The full scope of the law of arbitration…

Read More Companies to End Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Claims
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In Alexander v. Possible Productions, Inc., 17-cv-5532, 2018 WL 4804638 (S.D.N.Y. Oct. 4, 2018), the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss plaintiff’s claims of retaliation and sex-based discrimination/sexual harassment. In sum, plaintiff – who was employed by Showtime as a body double for the character Alison on the TV show “The Affair” – alleges that…

Read More Body Double’s Sexual Harassment Claims Survive Dismissal, Not Subject to Arbitration
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