Job Arbitration Pacts in Public Eye and on DOL’s Radar

Companies’ use of mandatory arbitration is getting more scrutiny from the Labor Department.

The issue is on the nation’s radar, too, more than a year into the #MeToo movement. Google and Facebook recently announced they would make some mandatory arbitration policies optional for employees making claims of harassment and assault. Airbnb also ended forced arbitration for employee harassment claims as well as those involving workplace discrimination.

Arbitration is a private legal proceeding that takes place out of court and can involve confidential proceedings. As the public focuses more on the role of these deals in the workplace, the DOL’s chief ...