Effective May 1, 2025: Revised Consumer and Employment/Workplace Arbitration Rules

The revised AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures and Employment/Workplace Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures are in effect as of May 1, 2025.

These comprehensive updates incorporate input from stakeholders across industries and reflect the AAA’s ongoing commitment to fairness, transparency, and efficiency. The AAA invited public comment on the proposed changes, reinforcing its dedication to openness and continuous improvement.

What’s New in the Consumer Rules:

• Inclusion of new Consumer Mediation Procedures
• Default use of virtual hearings, aligning with the widespread shift to online proceedings, though in-person hearings remain available if requested by the parties or arbitrator
• Reworked rules regarding information exchange to help ensure that a party can fairly present their claims and defenses
• New rule addressing appeals where the contract specifies an appeal process

To view the updated Consumer Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures, click here.

To view the summary of changes for the Consumer Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures, click here.

What’s New in the Employment Rules:

• Renaming of the Employment Arbitration Rules to include broader workplace disputes
• Clearer case administration standards
• Stronger authority for arbitrators to manage the process and resolve preliminary issues
• Emphasis on fair and efficient information exchange
• Reinforcement of parties’ ability to present their case fully and fairly

To view the updated Employment/Workplace Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures, click here.

To view the summary of changes for the Employment/Workplace Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures, click here.

To view the blog post discussing the changes, click here.