Lacy

BACKGROUND

Crestwood is a provider of mental health services. Lacy worked in Crestwood’s San Francisco facility as a recovery coach. When Lacy joined Crestwood, she signed and agreed to Crestwood’s “Dispute Resolution & Arbitration” policy (arbitration policy). Under that policy, “Crestwood, as well as every employee of Crestwood, agree to submit unresolved employment-related legal disputes to an impartial, objective individual called an arbitrator. . . . [¶] Arbitration is agreed to in lieu of a civil action before a judge or jury, and the arbitrator’s decision is final and binding.” (Some underlining omitted.) Crestwood terminated Lacy after she allegedly complained to a co- worker about being assaulted on the job. On January 7, 2019, Lacy filed a retaliation complaint against Crestwood with the Labor Commissioner. The Commissioner accepted the complaint and began an investigation pursuant 2 to section 98.7, subdivision (a). On January 22, 2019, the Commissioner sent a letter, notifying Crestwood of Lacy’s complaint and the Commissioner’s investigation of that complaint. After contacting Lacy and her attorney to inform them of its intent to arbitrate, Crestwood also informed…