On June 21, 2018, XpertHR featured Gerald (Jerry) L. Maatman, Jr. of Seyfarth Shaw LLP as a special guest commentator on its popular podcast series for human resources professionals. In this episode, Jerry provides a comprehensive overview of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Lewis v. Epic Systems Corp., and the decision's implications for employers.
In a closely contested 5-4 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court held that employers may require employees to sign class action waivers as a condition of employment, and such contacts are unenforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act. In practice, this means that employees who have signed such agreements are obligated to arbitrate workplace disputes individually, rather than as a class or collective action. It is believed that this ruling may affect an estimated 25 million employment contracts, a number that will only continue to rise.
On XpertHR's podcast, which is hosted by Legal Editor David Weisenfeld, Jerry answers a myriad of key questions about the impact of this decision for employers. David and Jerry touch on important aspects of the ruling such as Justice Ginsburg's harsh dissent, potential workarounds by the Plaintiff's bar, the practicality of arbitration agreements for employers, and more. To listen to the full episode, click HERE.
Implications For Employers
The Epic Systems ruling has the potential to immediately influence workplace relations. In fact, the impact of this case is already being seen in courtrooms around the country, with employers incorporating this stance into their arguments against putative employment class actions. Furthermore, as Jerry states in the podcast, the Supreme Court has issued a "mosaic of arbitration decisions" over the past few years that may expand the scope of this ruling beyond just wage & hour cases.
However, though the reading of this decision is pro-business, it may present new complications for employers. For example, the Plaintiff's bar may adopt the strategy of filing hundreds of individual arbitration claims, a tactic Jerry describes as "death by 1,000 cuts." Justice Ginsburg's vociferous dissent can also be interpreted as a plea for Congressional action, though it is difficult to determine the likelihood and proximity of legislative action.
For a full explanation of this case's impact on employers and HR personnel, make sure to listen to XpertHR's podcast!
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