However, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that an employer can simply notify at-will employees of the details of an arbitration program it is adopting, and the employees can be bound to that arbitration program by continuing their employment, even if they never sign anything.
At arbitration, the arbitrator will listen as the parties offer evidence about the issues. Witnesses will answer questions under oath, and each party will explain its side of the case. After the arbitration, the arbitrator will review the evidence and make a decision (enter an award) on each issue.
The arbitrator's decision can give parties a realistic idea of the outcome of their case. If neither party appeals the decision, it will be binding, like an order by a judge. However, a party unhappy with the arbitrator's decision can request a new trial before a judge.
Texas law will routinely uphold arbitration clauses. However, before submitting to arbitration, all Texans who want their day in court should be sure that the agreement is enforceable. It is tough but you can still avoid an arbitration clause.
Arbitration agreements require that persons who signed them resolve any disputes by binding arbitration, rather than in court before a judge and/or jury. What is binding arbitration? Binding arbitration involves the submission of a dispute to a neutral party who hears the case and makes a decision.
Courts have consistently allowed employers to make signing an arbitration agreement a condition of employment or continued employment. In other words, it is legal for your employer to rescind a job offer, or terminate an existing employee, if you refuse to sign an arbitration agreement. I am sorry.
You have a difficult decision to make, although it may not matter whether you sign the “agreement” or not. If you continue to work after you are informed that a forced arbitration agreement governs your employment, you may be bound by it, even if you refuse to sign it.
Top 10 tips for drafting arbitration agreements Introduction. Scope of the arbitration agreement. Seat of the arbitration. Governing law of the arbitration agreement. Choice of rules. Language. Number and appointment of arbitrators. Specifying arbitrator characteristics.
Under Section 171.001 of the TAA, written agreements to arbitrate are generally valid and enforceable in Texas.
On average, Texas arbitration takes 4–8 months from initiation to resolution. By comparison, litigation in state or federal courts may take years. Understanding arbitration's timeline can help you make informed decisions and shape your expectations from filing to resolution.