TX 8th: Arbitration Agreement Unenforceable

The Eighth District of the Texas Court of Appeals held that an agreement restricting grievance resolution to a panel of company employees does not constitute a valid arbitration agreement. In the matter of In re Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire, No. 08-05-00112-CV, 09/29/2005, Alfredo Chavelle was injured while working for Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire (Phelps) as a mechanic. After Chavelle filed a workers' compensation claim, he was told that he was being terminated for "slow work." Three mechanics were terminated at this time, two of which were over age 60. Chavelle filed a charge of discrimination...