In July 2024, I took over as an administrator of the PRIVATE Facebook group "Armstrong Steel Buildings Victim Group." This group, which consists of individuals affected by dubious practices, was silenced after several members of a class action lawsuit were forced into arbitration. When I stepped up to manage the group, Armstrong Steel (Atlantic Building Systems, LLC) retaliated by suing me for breach of contract. My experience is not isolated. Countless individuals are silenced by compulsory arbitration agreements hidden in the fine print of countless contracts.

What makes my case of national public interest is I could not afford an attorney.  Legal Aid does not provide attorneys to represent the poor in arbitration.  Legal Aid also does not provide attorneys for the poor in out of state courts.  If forced to arbitrate out of state, you will have to hire an attorney licensed in that state.  No attorneys will take a case on a pro bono (free) basis in arbitration and no attorney will take the case on contingency if you are the defendant in an arbitration.

Although the American Arbitration Association waived the fee for me to participate, there was no funding to cover the cost of an attorney nor to cover the fees the arbitrator charges for my counterclaim to be heard.  I was told first that I could crowd source for funds, but then I was told I could not disclose the existence of the arbitration.  How does someone ask for $15,000-$25,000 for legal fees to participate in arbitration without disclosing WHY you need money at all much less thousands of dollars.

I lost - what they call "did not prevail" and I filed a Motion to Vacate the Award of Arbitration Procured by Fraud and Undue Means and lost because I did not have an attorney and the 1925 Federal Arbitration Act makes it almost impossible for a defendant to "prevail".

Forced arbitration deprives consumers and employees of their day in court, denying them the opportunity to present their case before a judge and jury. Companies enjoy an unjust advantage, often choosing arbitration services that favor corporate interests above all else. The Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act of 2025 (FAIR Act) – H.R. 5350 – is essential for restoring fairness and transparency. This proposed law aims to prohibit the enforcement of pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class-action waivers in consumer, employment, antitrust, and civil rights disputes.

The status quo holds back justice by muffling victims and burying grievances in secret arbitration rooms where accountability is shockingly minimal. Statistics show that consumers are winning only about 9% of cases handled through forced arbitration. This figure starkly contrasts with the win rates in open court. Furthermore, the cost of arbitration often falls heavily on the consumer or employee, further deterring them from seeking justice.

Passing the FAIR Act would ensure that waiver of rights cannot be compelled by overpowering employers or companies. It's a step towards ensuring equality, accountability, and justice in the legal process. It's time to tip the scales back in favor of the people and away from big corporations that benefit from these unjust, binding agreements.

Join me in urging Congress to pass the FAIR Act of 2025 (H.R. 5350). Stand with those who have been silenced and help restore our fundamental rights to seek justice through our courts. Sign this petition today to make a difference.