Court Ruling — C.D. Cal, 2025 #10765354

**Court Sends Disability Discrimination Case to Private Arbitration** A worker sued Market Basket, claiming the company discriminated against them because of a disability. Instead of having their day in court, the case was sent to private arbitration - a process where a neutral third party decides the dispute outside the court system. The court ruled that the worker had signed a valid arbitration agreement when they were hired, which required them to resolve workplace disputes through arbitration rather than in court. The judge found that disability discrimination claims were covered by this agreement and granted Market Basket's request to move the case out of court. The lawsuit was put on hold while arbitration proceeds. **What This Means for Workers:** Many employers now require workers to sign arbitration agreements as a condition of employment. These agreements can prevent you from suing in court if workplace problems arise, including discrimination claims. If you're facing workplace discrimination, check your employment paperwork - you may be required to go through arbitration instead of filing a lawsuit. While arbitration can be faster and less expensive than court, you typically give up certain rights, including the ability to have a jury hear your case.