The Court opined that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) establishes liberal federal policy favoring arbitration agreements, and such agreements may only be overridden when there is a contrary Congressional command.
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.
The Florida Supreme Court has clarified that, effective immediately, a sole or chief court-appointed arbitrator must be a Bar member in good standing for the past five years, unless the parties agree in writing to allow someone eligible to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction during that time.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
As a general rule, only strong evidence of duress or fraud are sufficient to invalidate an arbitration clause.
Some contracts give you the right to opt out of the forced arbitration clause within a certain period of time, often 30 to 60 days, after signing the agreement by notifying the company that you wish to opt out. Check your contract for the deadline and for specific instructions for opting out.
The short answer is yes. No set of institutional rules prevents a party from abandoning claims it has raised in an arbitration. But there could be important implications to think through, depending on when the withdrawal occurs, and what else has occurred in the proceedings.
In ICSID proceedings, a request for arbitration can be unilaterally withdrawn only before its registration. Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings.
Even if you don't currently have a dispute with the company, it is a good idea to opt out of the forced arbitration clause to preserve your options. You can always agree later to use an arbitrator to resolve any dispute. Moreover, if you have opted out, you will have more negotiating power if there is a problem.
Once registered, the request for arbitration can no longer be withdrawn and a claimant seeking to withdraw from the proceedings will need to seek the “discontinuance” of the proceedings. It should be noted the Additional Facility Rules do not contain an analogous provision.