Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Who Says Employees Can't Win in Arbitration - $4.1Billion Award

Making arguments by anecdotes is not the way to present a convincing argument, and one winner (or loser) does not prove that a dispute resolution process is fair (or unfair). But in the midst of all of the misleading and inaccurate comments being made about arbitration and how it is stacked against the little guy, I couldn't help but chuckle at this award.

A court has just confirmed a $4.1 BILLION award in favor of an employee against his former employer for commissions, other compensation and punitive damages.

And since the rules relating to arbitration apply to the employer as well as the employee, there undoubtedly is not much chance for an appeal.

I don't know any of the facts of the case, and have only read the employee's attorney's press release, but that is a heck of a lot more specific information than the comments about homeowners who have supposedly lost their homes because of an arbitrator's decision.

Court Issues $4.1 Billion Judgment to Employee Confirming Arbitration Award for Unpaid Commissions, Securities, and Punitive Damages for Fraud