Employers and arbitration enthusiasts should take note of Richey v. AutoNation, Inc., 2012 Cal.App.LEXIS 1177, No. B234711 (2d Div., Nov. 13, 2012) (“Richey”). In Richey, the California Court of Appeal vacated an arbitration award and held that employers cannot interfere with an employee’s rights to leave under the California’s Family Rights Act (“CFRA”) based solely on an “honest belief” that the employee is abusing those rights. Given the expectations of extremely limited review of arbitration decisions (particularly an arbitrator’s legal or factual conclusions), and the dangers of navigating CFRA, Richey warrants attention.(more…)