AFJ: Ruling in Epic Systems v. Lewis Strikes Major Blow to Workers’ Rights

Contact: Megan Simons, megan@afj.org
(202) 464-7361

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21 - Following today’s Supreme Court decision in Epic Systems v. Lewis, holding that employers can enforce arbitration agreements that forbid workers from banding together in class action lawsuits, AFJ President Nan Aron released the following statement:  

"When nominated, it was clear that Neil Gorsuch would undermine the rights of workers to advance the interests of big business, whether ruling that a truck driver, Alfonse Madden, should have had to choose between his job or his life when his truck broke down in freezing conditions, or siding with a university that denied leave under disability rights laws to Grace Hwang, a cancer patient whose doctor told her she risked dying if she returned to work during a flu epidemic.  And, today he gave a freer hand to businesses to underpay their workers. Gorsuch’s opinion for the majority today in Epic Systems v. Lewis effectively strips workers, in this case employees who were victims of wage theft, underpaid by their employers, of their ability to most effectively enforce their rights. Instead, it requires them to seek redress in arbitration, where the game is rigged behind closed doors in favor of the employers."

Alliance for Justice believes that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have their voices heard when government makes decisions that affect their lives. We are a national association of over 120 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. Through our justice programs, we lead the progressive community in the fight for a fair judiciary, and through Bolder Advocacy, we help nonprofits and foundations to realize their advocacy potential.