Most people at some point in their life will be given the option “click here to agree,” whether it be in a credit card, wireless phone, or other similar binding agreement. By clicking that option, you agree to the terms and conditions provided by the company you wish to receive service.
The huge issue here is that those terms are conditions are riddled with lengthy content that most likely contains an individual arbitration clause. These clauses bar people from joining together in class-action lawsuits, and force “going it alone” should you choose to sue these large corporations.
To read more about this corporate bullying tactic, you can read a three-part investigative series titled Arbitration Everywhere, Stacking the Deck of Justice.
The good news is there are proposed bills in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate that would rid us of these clauses. The bad news is Congress has stalled the process of turning these bills into laws, therefore, stalling the constitutional rights of consumers.
If you would like to join in the movement of getting these bills passed, please sign the petition that tells Congress it’s time to make a change. Follow this link to sign the petition today!
Vice President
Photo Credit: Hieng Ling Tie