119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9995
The Restoring Justice for Workers Act would prohibit employers from requiring workers to sign agreements that force them into arbitration for workplace disputes or prevent them from joining class action or collective lawsuits against their employers. The bill applies to all workers, including employees and independent contractors, and affects any employer or entity that engages workers to provide services. Currently, millions of workers must accept these mandatory arbitration clauses as a condition of employment, often without understanding they have given up their right to sue in court or join together with coworkers. The legislation would allow workers to pursue legal claims in courts and join collective actions, with special protections for post-dispute arbitration agreements requiring a 45-day waiting period, written disclosures in plain language, and explicit written consent. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to any disputes that arise after the law passes, with enforcement through civil lawsuits in federal district court where workers can recover attorney's fees and damages.