Restoring Justice for Workers Act

Key Points

• The bill bans companies from requiring workers to sign forced arbitration agreements before a dispute happens, so workers keep the right to sue in court.
• It also bans clauses that stop workers from joining class or collective lawsuits, which are often the only realistic way workers can afford to challenge wage theft or discrimination.
• Employers cannot punish or fire a worker for refusing to sign an arbitration agreement, and workers who face retaliation can sue for damages and attorney fees.
• Arbitration after a dispute already happened is still allowed, but only if the worker gets 45 days to decide, clear written notice of their rights, and gives informed written consent.
• The protections cover independent contractors as well as regular employees, extending the law to gig workers who are often excluded from workplace protections.