𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Phoenix Suns this summer implemented — and asked employees to sign — a dispute resolution policy that could limit employees’ intentions to sue over workplace matters.

Over the last year, the Suns have faced five lawsuits from current and former employees, some alleging discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other issues. The Suns have denied the allegations.

ESPN first reported the change to the Phoenix organization’s employee handbook, which The Athletic confirmed through league sources.

Per ESPN, Suns employees were notified in May that they would receive an updated playbook with instructions to review and sign the documents within three days. A new section entitled “Confidential information, Intellectual Property, and Dispute Resolution Agreement” included a passage that stated the Suns and their employees agree that all legal disputes and claims over certain matters “shall be determined exclusively by final and binding individual arbitration.”

ESPN reported the provision covers disputes such as employment discrimination and that the new policy would stretch beyond an individual’s employment with the Suns. Complaints or problems that potentially violate state or federal law do not apply.

“This policy is standard at most large organizations, including many professional teams,” Phoenix Suns Senior Vice President Stacey Mitch said in a statement. “This policy does not result in the waiver of claims.”

In August, a pair of Suns minority owners sued the franchise and majority owner Mat Ishbia over an alleged refusal to produce internal documents and for a lack of transparency.

(Photo: Brett Davis / Imagn Images)