This case is focused on the battle regarding employment arbitration agreements in California.
Quoting from the Federal Docket:
“MINUTE ORDER issued by Courtroom Deputy C. Schultz for Chief District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller: On January 10, 2020, the court heard oral argument on plaintiffs’ motion to preliminarily enjoin enforcement of California Assembly Bill 51 (“AB 51”). ECF No. 5. At hearing, the court granted each party opportunity to file a supplemental brief addressing the issues of jurisdiction and severability. See ECF Nos. 37 , 40 . The court also ordered the temporary restraining order previously imposed, ECF No. 24 , remain in effect until January 31, 2020.
Now, having carefully considered all relevant briefing, including supplemental briefing, the court GRANTS plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction in full. (emphasis added). In the coming days the court will explain its reasoning in a detailed, written order; however, as of this minute order, the following preliminary injunction shall take effect:
1. Defendant Xavier Becerra, in his official capacity as the Attorney General of the State of California, Lilia Garcia Brower, in her official capacity as the Labor Commissioner of the State of California, Julia A. Su, in her official capacity as the Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and Kevin Kish, in his official capacity as Director of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing are:
a. Enjoined from enforcing sections 432.6(a), (b), and (c) of the California Labor Code where the alleged “waiver of any right, forum, or procedure” is the entry into an arbitration agreement covered by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. ยงยง 1-16 (“FAA”); and
b. Enjoined from enforcing section 12953 of the California Government Code where the alleged violation of “Section 432.6 of the Labor Code” is entering into an arbitration agreement covered by the FAA.
2. There is no realistic likelihood of harm to defendants from preliminarily enjoining enforcement of AB 51, so no security bond is required. It is so ordered.
(Text Only Entry) (Schultz, C) (Entered: 01/31/2020) “
==========
At the time of this article, this was the current state of play in the ongoing battle over employment arbitration agreements in California.
So we will wait for the Court’s detailed reasoning regarding employment arbitration agreements. For now though, as of February 3, 2020, AB51 remains unenforceable.
For more information about this topic, please Contact Us.