Can I require employees to sign arbitration agreements in Virginia? What are the requirements?

Yes, you can require employees to sign arbitration agreements in Virginia. The validity of arbitration agreements is recognized and enforced in Virginia under VACV 8.01-581.01 ^[2.1]. However, there are certain requirements that must be met for an arbitration agreement to be valid and enforceable.

Requirements for Arbitration Agreements in Virginia

1. Written Agreement: The arbitration agreement must be in writing ^[2.1].
2. Voluntary Agreement: The agreement to arbitrate must be voluntary and not coerced ^[2.1].
3. Mutual Agreement: The agreement to arbitrate must be mutual, meaning both parties must agree to it ^[2.1].
4. Scope of Agreement: The agreement must clearly define the scope of the issues that will be subject to arbitration ^[2.1].
5. Grounds for Revocation: The agreement may be revoked only on grounds that exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract ^[2.1].

Conclusion

In Virginia, you can require employees to sign arbitration agreements, but the agreement must meet the requirements outlined above to be valid and enforceable.

Source(s):

• [2.1] Validity of arbitration agreement

Jurisdiction

Virginia

• Labor