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Here’s a terrific, in-depth investigation of how arbitration clauses, often forbidding class-action suits, have tipped the scales of power dramatically toward corporations. Highly recommended. (2015-16, NYT)<\/p>\n
\nOn Page 5 of a credit card contract used by American Express, beneath an explainer on interest rates and late fees, past the details about annual membership, is a clause that most customers probably miss. If cardholders have a problem with their account, American Express explains, the company \u201cmay elect to resolve any claim by individual arbitration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those nine words are at the center of a far-reaching power play orchestrated by American corporations, an investigation by The New York Times has found.<\/p>\n
By inserting individual arbitration clauses into a soaring number of consumer and employment contracts, companies like American Express devised <\/span>a way to circumvent the courts<\/a> <\/span>and bar people from joining together in class-action lawsuits, realistically the only tool citizens have to fight illegal or deceitful business practices.<\/p>\n
Over the last few years, it has become increasingly difficult to apply for a credit card, use a cellphone, get cable or Internet service, or shop online without agreeing to private arbitration. The same applies to getting a job, renting a car or placing a relative in a nursing home.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n