Pennsylvania
How Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Murphy Oil USA, Inc. applies in Pennsylvania: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Civil Rights.
Pennsylvania law mirrors the federal approach in protecting employee rights under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), which prohibits employment discrimination. The principles established in Murphy Oil regarding the viability of class action waivers in arbitration agreements align with the PHRA's intent to protect workers' rights.
Under Pennsylvania law, any employment agreement that seeks to impose a class action waiver may be scrutinized for its compliance with the PHRA's prohibition against discrimination in employment.
The court held that non-compete agreements may not impede employees' rights to pursue discrimination claims under the PHRA.
The court found that arbitration agreements that require employees to waive their right to collective action are unenforceable if they undermine the enforcement of state civil rights laws.
The court ruled that arbitration provisions that limit remedies available under the PHRA violate public policy.
Pennsylvania's approach largely reflects the federal standards established in Murphy Oil regarding arbitration agreements and class action waivers. However, it emphasizes stronger protections under the state law, focusing on the enforcement of individual and collective rights in discrimination cases.
Candidates should be familiar with the implications of Murphy Oil on arbitration agreements under both federal and state law, particularly in relation to the PHRA.