When I served as a state representative, I held a responsibility to my constituents to ensure they maintain access to the various levers of the justice system. This includes arbitration, which has proven to be an efficient process that allows disputing parties to quickly come to a reasonable settlement.

Still, this system is now under threat from federal lawmakers and members of the trial bar through the so-called Protecting Older Americans Act. This misleading bill would end arbitration in age-discrimination lawsuits, subjecting employees to unnecessary and expensive court litigation.

Years of research has made it clear that cases filed under arbitration win $10,000 more on average when compared to cases going through court litigation. This difference can be life changing for families that are in dire need of financial support.

This system has also aided the financial growth of our region’s small businesses and communities. Arbitration has directly helped prevent businesses in Maine from having to pay thousands of dollars in legal fees that come with court litigation. Instead, they can now use this money to hire more workers, open new store locations, and contribute to the local economy.

Moreover, arbitration has maintained a reputation for being a just and transparent process. The country’s largest source of arbitrators, the American Arbitration Association, adheres to strict impartiality standards. At the same time, state legislatures and court systems have passed a number of regulations that require the outcome of arbitration cases be revealed to the people.

Arbitration has served as the dispute resolution mechanism that works for all involved parties. Enacting with the Protecting Older Americans Act would end this system, costing claimants and defendants time and money in the process. It is vital we make it clear to Washington that they cannot move forward with this legislation.

 

Scott Strom

Pittsfield

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