TEXT ORDER regarding 6 . This matter is before the Court on Defendant Ruiz Food Products, Inc.'s Motion to Stay and Compel Arbitration. (DE 6.) Plaintiff Daniel Ladd filed a response stating that he does not oppose the requested relief. (DE 7.) Plaintiff asserts claims for interference and retaliation under the Family and Medical Leave Act arising from his employment with Defendant. Defendant has submitted a written Arbitration Agreement identifying Plaintiff, bearing his electronic signature, and dated December 15, 2022.
The Arbitration Agreement requires both parties to submit to final and binding arbitration disputes arising out of or relating to Plaintiff's employment or termination. It expressly includes claims arising under the Family and Medical Leave Act and provides that arbitration will proceed under the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
Under § 2 of the Federal Arbitration Act, a written arbitration provision involving commerce is valid and enforceable except upon grounds applicable to contracts generally. Under § 4, the Court must direct arbitration when it is satisfied that a written arbitration agreement exists, the dispute falls within its scope, and the making of the agreement is not genuinely in issue.
The record establishes a valid written agreement. Plaintiff has not disputed his electronic signature, his assent to the agreement, or its enforceability. The present FMLA interference and retaliation claims fall squarely within the agreement's express terms. Plaintiff further states that he does not oppose Defendant's motion.
The Court, therefore, concludes that the parties must arbitrate this dispute in accordance with their agreement.
Section 3 of the Federal Arbitration Act provides that, upon a party's application, the Court shall stay an action involving an arbitrable issue until arbitration has been completed. Moreover, Smith v. Spizzirri, 601 U.S. 472 (2024), holds that a district court may not dismiss an action based solely upon arbitrability when a party has requested a stay.
Accordingly, Defendant's Motion to Stay and Compel Arbitration (DE 6) is GRANTED. The parties are ORDERED to submit all claims asserted in this action to binding arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Agreement.
This action, including all deadlines and other proceedings, is STAYED pending completion of arbitration. The parties shall file a joint status report within ninety days of this Order and every ninety days thereafter while arbitration remains pending. They shall notify the Court within fourteen days after the arbitration concludes or otherwise terminates, and shall advise the Court of any further action required.
The Court retains jurisdiction to address matters authorized by the Federal Arbitration Act and to take appropriate action following completion of arbitration.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Signed by the Honorable Joseph Dawson, III on 7/20/2026. (lgib, )