*SMLR-Net, the source of selected news on labor and employment relations and Human resource management.*

Title: Forced binding arbitration robs workers and consumers of basic rights Source: Economic Policy Institute (EPI)

*Author: * Ross Eisenberry

*Date:* Nov 2, 201*5*

*Summary:* The *New York Times* has published two parts http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/01/business/dealbook/arbitration-everywhere-stacking-the-deck-of-justice.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 of a three-part series http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/02/business/dealbook/in-arbitration-a-privatization-of-the-justice-system.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0 about the epidemic of arbitration clauses that have cropped up in millions of transactions between corporations and their customers and employees. The clauses are routinely included http://www.epi.org/blog/corporations-stealing-constitutional-rights/ in employment contracts, cell-phone contracts, consumer product purchase agreements, cable subscriptions, rental agreements, and a multitude of financial transactions, as a way to prevent injured parties from having their day in court. Giving up the constitutionally protected right to sue in state or federal court is a big deal and is often the result of ignorance and deceit: millions of people have no idea the clauses are there in the fine print of contract provisions written in legalese that few individuals ever read or comprehend. They don’t find out they’ve lost their rights until they need them.

*Link: *bit.ly/1H2U020 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Eugene McElroy, Library Associate James Carey Library, School of Management and Labor Relations Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey 50 Labor Center Way, New Brunswick NJ 08901 848-932-9513 smlrlibrary@work.rutgers.edu http://smlr.rutgers.edu/carey-library