CASE ANALYSIS

ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS AND AGENCY CLAIMS OF DISCRIMINATION

EEOC v. Waffle House, Inc., No 99-1823, January 15, 2002 (Supreme Court)

Eric Baker had applied for a position with the Waffle House restaurant. He signed an employment application, which included a mandatory arbitration provision under which the parties agreed to arbitrate any employment-related disputes. Baker was hired as a grill operator at the West Columbia Waffle House. Soon after he commenced working for Waffle House, Baker suffered a seizure at work. Afterward, he went home for the day. Shortly after arriving for work on the next day, Baker suffered another seizure. Baker was terminated soon thereafter, purportedly for Bakers benefit and safety.

Baker filed a complaint with the EEOC, alleging that he was discharged in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, he never initiated arbitration proceedings. After an unsuccessful attempt to conciliate, the EEOC filed an enforcement action in federal district court in its own name alleging that Waffle House engaged in unlawful employment practices. Baker was not a party to that lawsuit.

case summary

arguments for plaintiff

arguments for the defendant

courts decision and reason

what you feel the court should have decided and why

what the company (i.e., HR) should have done to prevent a lawsuit

what the Company (i.e., HR) should do in the future