Judge temporarily blocks California’s forced arbitration law

(AP) A federal judge is temporarily blocking a new California law outlawing mandatory arbitration agreements.

Critics say they can make it more difficult for workers to sue their bosses for sexual harassment.

U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller on Monday halted enforcement until she considers a request by business groups for a preliminary injunction next month. The law had been set to take effect on Wednesday.

About two-thirds of California non-union, private-sector workplaces have mandatory arbitration policies. Arbitration moves more quickly and costs less than going to court. But labor groups say it leaves workers at a disadvantage before arbitrators who are often selected by their employers.