Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is pleased to announce a federal judge ruled in favor of the PHRC this week to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Uber Technologies, Inc. against a former driver who filed a complaint with the PHRC.
Uber petitioned the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to direct the driver to withdraw the complaint from the PHRC and instead address the alleged violations of Pennsylvania law via arbitration. Last November, the PHRC asked a federal court to dismiss the lawsuit claiming discrimination charges filed with administrative agencies like the PHRC cannot be subject to arbitration agreements. A hearing was held on June 12, 2024. The PHRC was represented by Deputy Chief Counsel Morgan Williams and Assistant Chief Counsel Dana Prince.
On August 25, 2024, the Honorable U.S. District Judge John F. Murphy granted the PHRC’s Motion to Intervene, accepted the PHRC’s Motion to Dismiss for filing, and granted Motions to Dismiss filed by the PHRC and Defendants.
“This lawsuit from Uber would have had a negative effect on all Pennsylvanians searching for justice,” said PHRC Chair M. Joel Bolstein, Esq. “This court’s decision affirms the protection of the employee and the PHRC’s exemption from coverage under the Federal Arbitration Act. The PHRC has the legal authority to investigate claims of discrimination. All complainants have the right to file a complaint and pursue an investigation through a neutral and independent entity.”
“The PHRC is pleased to see the federal court rule in favor of the PHRC and the defendant,” added PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “This federal lawsuit had the potential to undermine the integrity and authority of PHRC. Forcing complainants to pursue arbitration denies the justice they deserve. It also interferes with the Commission's ability to investigate systematic discrimination.”
“The Court has made it clear that employers in Pennsylvania cannot use arbitration agreements with employees to stop an investigation of the PHRC,” stated PHRC Interim Chief Counsel Morgan Williams, Esq. “To eradicate discrimination, the PHRC must be able to investigate it.”
About the PHRC: The PHRC enforces state laws that prohibit illegal discrimination. To file a complaint, call 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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