I'm not sure if this goes here, but if not can someone tell me where to seek information. So the company I am working for has updated their policies and contracts, but there's a part in the policy that says this:
“I have received and read my personal copy of 'Redacted' (“the Company”) Employee Handbook. Except for the policy of at-will employment (which can only be changed by a written agreement executed by the President of the Company), the provisions contained in the Dispute Resolution, Arbitration and Mutual Waiver of Jury Trial section of this handbook, and this Acknowledgement, I understand that the policies and procedures contained within this Handbook (with the exception of the policy of at-will employment and the Dispute Resolution, Arbitration and Mutual Waiver of Jury Trial sections) are subject to revision or revocation, with or without my prior knowledge, at any time and for any reason deemed necessary by management. I further understand that I am personally responsible for remaining knowledgeable of the contents of this handbook and all other posted or publicized policies and procedures of the Company. I will familiarize myself with the information in this handbook, will seek verification or clarification from my manager or the Human Resources Department where necessary, and will comply with all policies and requirements
“I AGREE THAT ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR DISPUTES ARISING UNDER THE FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT
AND FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT OR OTHER STATE OR LOCAL LAW AND ANY CLAIM ALLEGING OR
RELATED ANY BACKGROUND REPORTING VIOLATION OR ANY WAGE AND HOUR VIOLATION
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE INTERPRETATION OR ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS AGREEMENT,
FAILURE TO PAY OR CALCULATE MINIMUM WAGE OR OVERTIME WILL BE RESOLVED BY MANDATORY,
BINDING ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT AND USING THE AMERICAN
ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION RULES FOR THE RESOLUTION OF EMPLOYMENT DISPUTES WITH THE
EXCEPTION THAT THE ARBITRATOR SHALL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OR AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT ANY
ARBITRATION ON A CLASS, COLLECTIVE OR REPRESENTATIVE BASIS. ALL ARBITRATIONS COVERED BY
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONDUCTED AS INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS AND EACH RESOLVED IN A SINGLE
ARBITRATION BETWEEN THE EMPLOYEE AND THE COMPANY.
ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN EMPLOYEE AND THE COMPANY NOT COVERED BY THIS MANDATORY
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT SHALL BE RESOLVED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION SITTING
WITHOUT A JURY AND THE COMPANY AND EMPLOYEE UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE
THEIR RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL IN DISPUTES BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM.
The Company and each employee that signs this acknowledgment, receives a copy of this handbook, or has knowledge of this policy and continues to work for the Company thereafter, hereby waives their right to trial by jury and agree to have any disputes arising between them resolved by a judge of a competent court sitting without a jury or a single arbitration in a non-class or non-collective action proceeding. I agree, as shown by my signature, to accept, endorse, and abide by all of the Company’s policies and procedures contained within this handbook and all other posted or publicized, written, or verbal policies and procedures of the Company.”
I live in Texas btw and correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this illegal and if I don't sign or agree to this can I be fired/ “let go”