Private contractors and sexual assault in Iraq

Lisa Cullen

A mother of five who says she was sexually harassed and assaulted while working for Halliburton/KBR in Iraq is headed for a secretive arbitration process rather than being able to present her case in open court.
What it means: instead of having her case heard in court like a normal American citizen, Barker will have it dealt with in behind-the-scenes, private arbitration.

Then read what the judge actually said.

District Judge Gray Miller, however, wrote in his order that "whether it is wise to send this type of claim to arbitration is not a question for this court to decide."
"Sadly," wrote Judge Miller, "sexual harassment, up to and including sexual assault, is a reality in today's workplace."
What what what? Sexual assault is just something women have to put up with in today's workplace? What?
Here was Halliburton's genius (the company formerly run by Dick Cheney has since divested itself of KBR): it made all employees sign an employment contract requiring them to settle all such matters in arbitration instead of court. In arbitration, there is no public record or transcript of the proceedings, meaning that Tracy's claims will not be heard before a judge and jury. What are the chances of justice?

Then the kicker:

Halliburton and KBR had also sought to have Barker pay for their costs
of defending their right to arbitrate. That request was denied.

More information:
http://workingprogress.blogstime.com
http://laprogressive.com