If enacted, this bill would amend current Arizona statutes by adding a new section that specifically addresses arbitration agreements between employers and employees in the context of employment-related disputes. The bill would establish that such agreements are valid, enforceable, and irrevocable for employees whose primary job duties involve the handling of goods at a warehouse owned or leased by the employer, notwithstanding existing statutes that currently exclude these agreements from enforcement. Additionally, it would clarify the financial responsibilities of both parties in arbitration, stipulating that the employee must cover the initial administrative costs equivalent to a state court filing fee, while the employer would bear all other unique arbitration costs.

Furthermore, the bill would ensure that these arbitration agreements do not impede an employee's right to file claims with government agencies and would specify that the arbitration requirements do not apply to employees under enforceable collective bargaining agreements, except as permitted by those agreements. Overall, the proposed changes aim to facilitate arbitration as a means of resolving employment disputes while maintaining certain rights for employees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-1606
Senate Engrossed Version: 23-1606
House Engrossed Version: 23-1606