Representative Henry Johnson (D-GA) and 36 co-sponsors have introduced the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2009.

The bill could have a significant impact on employers. It would prohibit agreements mandating arbitration of employment disputes (as well as franchise and consumer disputes). Arbitration agreements contained within a collective bargaining agreement are specifically exempted.

The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee but a hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Stay tuned for more.