Murillo et al v. Coryell County Tradesmen LLC et al

Filing 250

ORDER: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Ronald Franks' 130 Motion to Dismiss Crossclaim of Roy Anderson Corp. or, Alternatively, to Stay Proceedings Pending the Outcome of Arbitration is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the motion is granted in part to the extent it request a stay of the litigation of Roy Anderson's crossclaim against Ronald Franks pending the outcome of arbitration. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the motion is denied in part to the extent that it requests that the crossclaim be dismissed in favor of arbitration. Signed by Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on 3/28/2017. (mmv)

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA
NANCY MURILLO, et al.

CIVIL ACTION

VERSUS

NO. 15-3641

CORYELL COUNTY TRADESMEN, LLC,
et al.

SECTION: “G”(1)

ORDER
In this litigation, Plaintiffs, approximately 160 individuals hired to work on a construction
and renovation project located at 225 Baronne Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, allege that
Defendants did not pay overtime wages or minimum wages in violation of the Fair Labor Standards
Act (“FLSA”).1 Defendant and Cross-Claim Plaintiff Roy Anderson Corporation (“Roy
Anderson”), the general contractor for the underlying construction project in this litigation, has
asserted a crossclaim for breach of contract and indemnity against Defendant Ronald Franks
Construction Company, LLC (“Ronald Franks”), a subcontractor.2 Pending before the Court is
Ronald Franks’ “Motion to Dismiss Crossclaim of Roy Anderson Corp. or, Alternatively, to Stay
Proceedings Pending the Outcome of Arbitration.”3 Having considered the motion, the memoranda
in support, the memorandum in opposition, and the applicable law, the Court will grant the motion
in part to the extent that Ronald Franks requests that the Court stay the litigation of Roy Anderson’s

1

Rec. Doc. 48; Rec. Doc. 52-1 at 1.

2

Rec. Doc. 92 at 15–19.

3

Rec. Doc. 130.

1

crossclaim against Ronald Franks pending the outcome of arbitration, and deny the motion in part
to the extent that Ronald Franks requests that the Court dismiss the crossclaim in favor of
arbitration.
I. Background
A.

Factual Background
Plaintiffs allege that this lawsuit arises from the renovation of a luxury hotel and apartment

building in downtown New Orleans named “The Strand” at 225 Baronne Street (“the Project”).4
They allege that the mostly migrant workers who performed the renovation work were not paid
minimum wages or overtime while working “grueling” 70-hour workweeks.5 Plaintiffs further
contend that their recorded hours were often “adjusted” to reflect shorter work periods so that
Defendants Roy Anderson, Ronald Franks, Coryell County Tradesmen (“CCT”), CC Labor, LLC
(“CC Labor”), Paul Isaacks, Brandon Isaacks, and Brent Isaacks could pay them less.6
Defendants CCT and CC Labor are alleged to be two family-run construction companies
owned by Defendants Paul Isaacks, Brandon Isaacks, and Brent Isaacks.7 Defendant Roy Anderson
is alleged to be one of the general contractors that employed Plaintiffs, and Ronald Franks and
CCT were two of the subcontractors on the Project.8 Defendant Travelers Casualty and Surety

4

Rec. Doc. 48 at 3.

5

Id. at 3–4.

6

Id. at 4.

7

Id. at 5.

8

Id. at 5–6.

2

Company of America (“Travelers”) is alleged to have contracted to pay the obligations of Roy
Anderson with respect to the work done on the construction project at issue in this case.9
B.

Procedural Background
Plaintiffs Nancy Murillo, Evelyn Mejia, Ambrocio Benito Castro, and Mechlor Acevedo

filed a complaint on August 19, 2015, against Defendants CCT, CC Labor, Brandon Isaacks, Brent
Isaacks, and Paul Isaacks.10 With leave of Court, on February 18, 2016, Plaintiffs filed an amended
complaint, adding more than 150 plaintiffs and adding as Defendants Ronald Franks, Roy
Anderson, and Travelers.11 Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, with leave of Court, on
May 13, 2016.12
On July 12, 2016, Roy Anderson filed an answer to Plaintiffs’ complaint and a crossclaim
and third-party demand against Defendant Ronald Franks and Third-Party Defendant National
American Insurance Company (“NAIC”), respectively.13 Roy Anderson alleges that Ronald
Franks breached their contract when it violated its affirmative duty “to pay its subcontractors and
suppliers” to ensure no claims, liens, or privileges arose on the Project.14 Roy Anderson also
contends that the contracts were breached when Ronald Franks allegedly failed to indemnify Roy

9

Id. at 6–7.

10

Rec. Doc. 1.

11

Rec. Doc. 19.

12

Rec. Doc. 48.

13

Rec. Doc. 92 at 15.

14

Id. at 18.

3

Anderson for Plaintiffs’ claims.15 Roy Anderson further alleges that NAIC is liable to Roy
Anderson if Roy Anderson is deemed liable for any of Plaintiffs’ claims.16
On August 23, 2016, Ronald Franks filed the instant motion.17 On September 6, 2016, Roy
Anderson filed an opposition.18 On October 12, 2016, with leave of Court, Ronald Franks filed a
reply.19
II. Parties’ Arguments
A.

Ronald Franks’ Arguments in Support of Dismissal
In its motion, Ronald Franks requests that this Court either: (1) dismiss Roy Anderson’s

crossclaim against Ronald Franks for breach of contract; or, in the alternative, (2) stay the
proceedings pending the outcome of arbitration.20 Ronald Franks states that Roy Anderson entered
into a “prime contract” with 222 Baronne Complex, LLC, the Project’s owner, as the general
contractor for the construction project at issue in this litigation.21 Ronald Franks alleges that on
February 13, 2014, Roy Anderson and Ronald Franks entered into three subcontract agreements
(“the Subcontracts”) to perform certain work and provide certain materials for the Project.22

15

Id. at 19.

16

Id. at 20.

17

Rec. Doc. 130.

18

Rec. Doc. 150.

19

Rec. Doc. 177.

20

Rec. Doc. 130-1 at 1.

21

Id. at 2.

22

Id.

4

Ronald Franks further contends that on March 17, 2014, it entered into a “sub-subcontract
agreement” with CCT.23
According to Ronald Franks, the Subcontracts contain an arbitration clause, which states
that all claims and disputes between Ronald Franks and Roy Anderson would be decided by
binding arbitration in accordance with the rules and procedures of the American Arbitration
Association. Ronald Franks avers that Louisiana law applies to the Subcontracts.24 Ronald Franks
argues that, under Louisiana law, the Subcontracts contain valid and enforceable arbitration
provisions.25 Ronald Franks further asserts that the breach of contract claims contained in Roy
Anderson’s crossclaim falls within the scope of the arbitration provision contained in the
Subcontracts.26 Thus, Ronald Franks contends that, because the Subcontracts contain a valid and
enforceable arbitration provision, and because the claims alleged by Roy Anderson’s crossclaim
fall within the scope of that provision, Roy Anderson’s crossclaim should be dismissed.27
Alternatively, Ronald Franks avers that the Court should stay “any and all proceedings
related to” the crossclaim pending the outcome of arbitration.28
B.

Roy Anderson’s Arguments in Opposition to Dismissal
In opposition, Roy Anderson asserts that each of the Subcontracts’ arbitration provisions

23

Id. at 3.

24

Id. at 5.

25

Id. at 5–6.

26

Id. at 6.

27

Id. at 7.

28

Id. at 8.

5

stated that “[e]xcept as otherwise provided herein, all claims, disputes, or other matters in
controversy” between Roy Anderson and Ronald Franks “shall be decided by binding
arbitration . . . .”29 Moreover, Roy Anderson points out that Section 30.2 of the Subcontracts
provides that the “locale of any arbitration . . . and the venue of any litigation” shall be in Roy
Anderson’s “county/parish and state,” “unless the Contractor, in its sole discretion designates
another locale or venue . . . Any locale or venue designated by the Contractor shall be binding on
the Subcontractor.”30 According to Roy Anderson, this provision makes clear that, while
arbitration is the default, the Subcontracts leave the “ultimate decision about where proceedings
may be brought” to Roy Anderson’s sole discretion.31 Roy Anderson further asserts that the
Subcontracts state that Ronald Franks waives its right to a jury for litigation arising out of the
Subcontracts and allows the recovery of attorneys’ fees.32
Roy Anderson argues that Ronald Franks’ motion is also procedurally improper, as it is
brought pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).33 Thus, Roy Anderson contends that
the Court should deny Ronald Franks’ motion to dismiss.34
Roy Anderson further asserts that proceedings involving its crossclaim should not be
stayed pending arbitration, because Ronald Franks cannot enforce the arbitration provision when

29

Rec. Doc. 150 at 2 (emphasis in original).

30

Id. at 2 (emphasis omitted).

31

Id. at 3.

32

Id.

33

Id. at 5.

34

Id.

6

Roy Anderson exercises its authority under the Subcontracts to choose the locale or venue to bring
a proceeding.35 Moreover, Roy Anderson alleges that none of the provisions give Ronald Franks
a right to compel arbitration.36 Additionally, Roy Anderson argues that this dispute falls outside
the scope of any arbitration provision in the Subcontracts.37 Roy Anderson avers that it seeks
indemnification from Ronald Franks.38 However, according to Roy Anderson, the arbitration
provision only applies to “claims, disputes, or other matters in controversy or question referenced
in this Section[,]” and the Section does not reference indemnity.39
C.

Ronald Franks’ Arguments in Further Support of Dismissal
In its reply, Ronald Franks asserts that, in related litigation brought in state court by one of

the suppliers on the Project, Roy Anderson asserted the same crossclaim against Ronald Franks
based on the alleged breach of the Subcontracts.40 According to Ronald Franks, it filed a dilatory
exception of prematurity and, alternatively, motion to stay the state court proceedings based on the
arbitration provision.41 Ronald Franks represents that on September 15, 2016, the state court
granted Ronald Franks’ exception and stayed the proceedings pending arbitration.42 Thus, Ronald

35

Id. at 7.

36

Id. at 7–8.

37

Id. at 8.

38

Id.

39

Id.

40

Rec. Doc. 177 at 1–2.

41

Id. at 2.

42

Id. at 3.

7

Franks argues that the Court should dismiss Roy Anderson’s crossclaim in this matter or stay all
proceedings related to the crossclaim pending the outcome of arbitration “just as the state court
has done.”43
Moreover, Ronald Franks argues that the state court decision compelling arbitration must
be given full faith and credit by this Court.44 According to Ronald Franks, the Louisiana law of
res judicata provides for issue preclusion and bars re-litigation of these claims.45
III. Law and Analysis
A.

Whether Roy Anderson is Precluded from Asserting its Crossclaim against Ronald
Franks under the Louisiana Law of Res Judicata
In its reply memorandum, Ronald Franks avers that a judgment was rendered against Roy

Anderson in a related state court case staying Roy Anderson’s state court crossclaim against
Ronald Franks pursuant to the same Subcontracts’ arbitration clauses.46 Thus, Ronald Franks
argues that the Louisiana law of issue preclusion bars Roy Anderson from re-litigating whether its
crossclaim should be dismissed or stayed pending the outcome of arbitration.47
First, the Court notes that this argument was not asserted in Ronald Franks’ original
motion, but was instead raised for the first time in Ronald Franks’ reply memorandum. Courts in
the Fifth Circuit have determined that new arguments raised for the first time in a reply brief need

43

Id.

44

Id.

45

Id.

46

Id. at 3–4.

47

Id.

8

not be considered.48 However, the Fifth Circuit has noted that courts “may rely on arguments and
evidence presented for the first time in a reply brief as long as the court gives the nonmovant an
adequate opportunity to respond.”49
Here, while Ronald Franks’ motion was filed on August 23, 2016,50 and Roy Anderson
filed an opposition on September 6, 2016, Ronald Franks could not assert an issue preclusion
argument until the state court order allegedly enforcing the arbitration clause was issued on
October 4, 2016.51 Moreover, Roy Anderson has had an adequate opportunity to respond since
Ronald Franks’ reply was filed, and Roy Anderson has not requested leave to file a sur-reply to
address this argument.52 Accordingly, the Court will consider whether Roy Anderson’s issue
preclusion argument.
As the Supreme Court has made clear, federal courts must “refer to the preclusion law of
the State in which judgment was rendered” to determine the preclusive effect of a state court
judgment.53 The Fifth Circuit has likewise concluded that “[a] federal court asked to give res

48

See, e.g., Eitzen Bulk A/S v. Capex Indus., Ltd., No. 10-395, 2010 WL 5141257, at *3 (E.D. La. Dec. 13,
2010) (Berrigan, J.) (determining that the Court would not consider new arguments regarding the res judicata effect
of a prior action because they were raised for the first time in a reply brief); Cooper v. Faith Shipping, No. 06-892,
2008 WL 5082890, at *4 (E.D. La. Nov. 25, 2008) (Vance, J.) (declining to consider new arguments presented for the
first time in a reply brief “long after” the initial motion was filed). See also Benefit Recovery, Inc. v. Donelon, 521
F.3d 326, 329 (5th Cir. 2008) (“[A]rguments cannot be raised for the first time in a reply brief.”); Elwakin v. Target
Media Partners Operating Co. LLC, 901 F. Supp. 2d 730, 745–46 (E.D. La. 2012) (Roby, Mag.) (“Courts in the Fifth
Circuit have found that a court need not consider new arguments raised for the first time in a summary judgment reply
brief.”).
49

Vais Arms, Inc. v. Vais, 383 F.3d 287, 292 (5th Cir. 2004).

50

Rec. Doc. 130.

51

See Rec. Doc. 177 at 3; Rec. Doc. 177-5.

52

See Vais Arms, Inc., 383 F.3d at 292.

53

Marrese v. Am. Acad. of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 470 U.S. 373, 380 (1985) (quoting 28 U.S.C. § 1738); see

9

judicata effect to a state court judgment must apply the res judicata principles of the law of the
state whose decision is set up as a bar to further litigation.”54 Thus, because the judgment at issue
was rendered in the Louisiana, Louisiana law determines what preclusive effects, if any, may arise
from the state court’s judgment.55
Louisiana law embraces the broad usage of the term “res judicata” to include both claim
preclusion and issue preclusion.56 With regard to issue preclusion, or “collateral estoppel,”
Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:4231(3) provides that “[a] [valid and final] judgment in favor of
either the plaintiff or the defendant is conclusive, in any subsequent action between them, with
respect to any issue actually litigated and determined if its determination was essential to that
judgment.”57 “This principle serves the interests of judicial economy by preventing relitigation of
the same issue between the same parties.”58 Thus, under issue preclusion, “once a court decides an

also Matter of Gober, 100 F.3d 1195, 1201 (5th Cir. 1996) (holding that courts “must look to the state that rendered
the judgment to determine whether the courts of that state would afford the judgment preclusive effect”).
54

Prod. Supply Co. v. Fry Steel Inc., 74 F.3d 76, 78 (5th Cir. 1996); see Hugel v. Se. Louisiana Flood Prot.
Auth.-E., 429 F. App’x 364, 367 (5th Cir. 2011).
55

See In re Keaty, 397 F.3d 264, 270 (5th Cir. 2005) (determining that, because the underlying judgment was
from a Louisiana state court, Louisiana issue preclusion rules would apply); Pinkozie v. Ricks, No. 16-11621, 2017
WL 1056012, at *13 (E.D. La. Mar. 20, 2017) (Brown, J.). See also Rec. Doc. 177-5 (Louisiana state court judgment).
56

See La. Rev. Stat. § 13:4231; Maschek v. Cartemps USA, 2004-1031 (La. App. 4 Cir. 2/16/05), 896 So. 2d
1189, 1193; Williams v. City of Marksville, 2002-1130 (La. App. 3 Cir. 3/5/03), 839 So. 2d 1129, 1131.
57
Goodman v. Spillers, 28,933 (La. App. 2 Cir. 12/23/96), 686 So. 2d 160, 166 (“Even where claim
preclusion of § 4231(2) does not apply, issue preclusion under § 4231(3) may bar a subsequent suit.” (emphasis in
original)).
58

La. Rev. Stat. § 13:4231, cmt. (b).

10

issue of fact or law necessary to its judgment, that decision precludes relitigation of the same issue
in a different cause of action between the same parties.”59
The Louisiana Supreme Court has determined that “[t]he doctrine of res judicata cannot be
invoked unless all its essential elements are present . . . and each necessary element must be
established beyond all question.”60 Louisiana courts have narrowly construed the doctrine’s scope,
and “any doubt concerning application of the principle of res judicata must be resolved against its
application.”61 The party urging the application of res judicata has the burden of proving each
essential element by a preponderance of the evidence.62
Thus, to determine whether issue preclusion applies such that Roy Anderson is barred from
opposing this motion, the Court must consider if the issues raised in the instant motion were
“actually litigated and determined” in the state court proceeding and if their “determination was
essential to [the state court’s] judgment.”63 In the state court proceeding, AP Interiors, LLC D/B/A/
The Paint Store v. Coryell County Tradesmen, LLC, et al., Plaintiff AP Interiors filed a petition
against Roy Anderson, Ronald Franks, CCT, Travelers, and NAIC for failure to pay AP Interiors

59

Williams, 839 So. 2d at 1131; see Mandalay Oil & Gas, L.L.C. v. Energy Dev. Corp., 2001-0993 (La. App.
1 Cir. 8/4/04), 880 So. 2d 129, 136. See generally In re Keaty, 397 F.3d 264, 270–71 (5th Cir. 2005) (noting that “[t]he
requirements for issue preclusion under Louisiana state law are identical to those recognized by the Fifth Circuit: (1)
the parties must be identical; (2) the issue to be precluded must be identical to that involved in the prior action; (3) the
issue must have been actually litigated; and (4) the determination of the issue in the prior action must have been
necessary to the resulting judgment.”).
Hugel, 429 F. App’x at 368 (quoting Kelty v. Brumfield, 633 So.2d 1210, 1215 (La. 1994)) (quotation
marks omitted).
60

61

Id. See also St. Paul Mercury Ins. Co. v. Williamson, 224 F.3d 425, 437 (5th Cir. 2000).

62

St. Paul Mercury Ins. Co., 224 F.3d at 437 (citing Greer v. Louisiana, 616 So.2d 811, 815 (La. App. 2 Cir.

63

La. Rev. Stat. § 13:4231(3).

1993)).

11

for materials it provided on the same Project at issue in this case. 64 Roy Anderson brought a
crossclaim against Ronald Franks for indemnification against AP Interiors’ claim and for Ronald
Franks’ alleged breach of one of the Subcontracts.65 Thereafter, Ronald Franks filed a “dilatory
exception of prematurity, and alternatively, motion to stay proceedings pending arbitration” (“state
court motion”), seeking to dismiss Roy Anderson’s crossclaim or stay the proceedings pending
arbitration.66
According to Ronald Franks, the state court, in a one-page judgment, granted Ronald
Franks’ state court motion and ordered that “[a]ll claims of Roy Anderson Corp. against Ronald
Franks Construction Company, LLC and National American Insurance Company in the captioned
matter shall be stayed pending arbitration.”67 The state court judgment did not provide reasons for
the court’s decision or specify what issues were litigated between the two parties. In support of its
argument that this state court judgment should be given issue preclusive effect, Ronald Franks
submits to the Court its memorandum in support of its state court motion that was filed in state
court (“state court memorandum”).68 As in this motion, Ronald Franks argued in its state court
memorandum that the same Subcontracts between Roy Anderson and Ronald Franks for work on
the Project at issue in this litigation had binding arbitration clauses, and thus the state court

64

Rec. Doc. 177-1 at 2–3.

65

Rec. Doc. 177-3 at 4–8.

66

Rec. Doc. 177-4.

67

Rec. Doc. 177-5.

68

Rec. Doc. 177-4 at 4.

12

crossclaim should be dismissed or stayed pending arbitration.69
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:4231(3), Louisiana law only grants issue
preclusive effects to valid and final state court judgments “with respect to any issue actually
litigated and determined if its determination was essential to that judgment.” Here, neither party
disputes the validity of the Subcontracts or the fact that the Subcontracts contain arbitration
provisions. Rather, Roy Anderson argues that: (1) its claim for indemnity against Plaintiffs’ claims
are not covered by the arbitration agreement; and (2) the Subcontracts give Roy Anderson the sole
discretion to choose to forgo arbitration and assert its crossclaim against Ronald Franks in this
Court.70 However, neither the state court judgment nor Ronald Franks’ state court memorandum
demonstrate that these issues raised in Roy Anderson’s opposition to the motion filed in this Court
were “actually litigated and determined” in the Louisiana state court or were “essential” to the
state court’s judgment. 71 That is, because this Court cannot determine the bases on which Ronald
Franks’ similar state court motion was resolved, the Court cannot find that Roy Anderson is barred
from raising these issues in this Court pursuant to Louisiana’s law of res judicata.72 Accordingly,
the Court will deny in part Ronald Franks’ motion to the extent that it argues Roy Anderson’s
arguments are barred under the Louisiana law of res judicata, and the Court will proceed to

69

Id. at 4–6.

70

Rec. Doc. 150 at 6–9.

71

La. Rev. Stat. § 13:4231(3).

Goodman v. Spillers, 28,933 (La. App. 2 Cir. 12/23/96), 686 So. 2d 160, 167 (“The record does not reveal
precisely how the court in United Group reached its directed verdict out of the numerous possible reasons that may
be imagined for that court’s determination . . . All Bancroft and United have proved is that the directed verdict
judgment resolved and disposed of Goodman's entire claim based on unfair trade practice and consumer protection
laws, not the actual determination of a single issue.” (emphasis in original)).
72

13

consider the motion.
B.

Whether the Federal Arbitration Act Applies to this Dispute
As a preliminary matter, the Court will first consider whether the FAA applies to this

dispute. In Iberia Credit Bureau, Inc. v. Cingular Wireless LLC, the Fifth Circuit explained that
the FAA was “in large part motivated by the goal of eliminating the courts’ historic hostility to
arbitration agreements.”73 Thus, “Section 2 of the FAA puts arbitration agreements on the same
footing as other contracts.”74 This means that, “as a matter of federal law, arbitration agreements
and clauses are to be enforced unless they are invalid under principles of state law that govern all
contracts.”75
In resolving the motion presently before the Court, it is first necessary to determine whether
the action falls within the scope of the FAA. On this point, the FAA, as codified at 9 U.S.C. §§ 1–
2, provides the basis for the Court’s inquiry. Section 2 states that:
A written provision in any maritime transaction or a contract evidencing a
transaction involving commerce to settle by arbitration a controversy thereafter
arising out of such contract or transaction, or the refusal to perform the whole or
any part thereof, or an agreement in writing to submit to arbitration an existing
controversy arising out of such a contract, transaction, or refusal, shall be valid,
irrevocable, and enforceable, save upon such grounds as exist at law or in equity
for the revocation of any contract.76

73

379 F.3d 159, 166 (5th Cir. 2004) (citations omitted).

74

Id.

75

Id.

76

9 U.S.C. § 2 (emphasis added).

14

Section 1 defines “commerce” as meaning “commerce among the several States or with foreign
nations.”77 In Perry v. Thomas, the United States Supreme Court concluded that the FAA
“provide[s] for the enforcement of arbitration agreements within the full reach of the Commerce
Clause [of the United States Constitution].”78
The FAA, as codified at 9 U.S.C. § 3, gives federal courts authority to stay litigation
pending arbitration; it provides as follows:
If any suit or proceeding be brought in any of the courts of the United States upon
any issue referable to arbitration under an agreement in writing for such arbitration,
the court in which such suit is pending, upon being satisfied that the issue involved
in such suit or proceeding is referable to arbitration under such an agreement,
shall on application of one of the parties stay the trial of the action until such
arbitration has been had in accordance with the terms of the agreement, providing
the applicant for the stay is not in default in proceeding with such arbitration.79
As the Fifth Circuit has observed, Section 3 of the FAA is mandatory, providing that federal courts
“shall on application of one of the parties stay the trial of the action.”80
Section 4 of the FAA covers motions to compel arbitration, and it provides:
A party aggrieved by the alleged failure, neglect, or refusal of another to arbitrate
under a written agreement for arbitration may petition any United States district
court, save for such agreement, would have jurisdiction under Title 28, in a civil
action or in admiralty of the subject matter of a suit arising out of the controversy
77

9 U.S.C. § 1.

78

482 U.S. 483, 490 (1987). In Perry, the Supreme Court held that § 2 of the FAA preempted a California
statute that provided a judicial forum for actions seeking to collect wages, notwithstanding any arbitration agreement
between the parties. Id. at 484, 492.
79

9 U.S.C. § 3 (emphasis added).

80

Waste Mgmt, Inc. v. Residuos Industriales Multiquim, S.A. de C.V., 372 F.3d 339, 342–43, 346 (5th Cir.
2004) (construing 9 U.S.C. § 3, reasoning that “[t]he grammatical structure of this sentence would seem to make clear
that any of the parties to the suit can apply to the court for a mandatory stay, and the court must grant the stay if the
claim at issue is indeed covered by the arbitration agreement,” and ordering the district court to grant a nonsignatory’s
motion to compel arbitration).

15

between the parties, for an order directing that such arbitration proceed in the
manner provided for in such agreement.81
In this case, the parties do not dispute that the Subcontracts include an arbitration clause or
that the FAA applies to this dispute.82 Ronald Franks contends that Roy Anderson’s breach of
contract crossclaim is subject to arbitration pursuant to the Subcontract’s arbitration provision.83
The FAA applies to contracts evidencing a transaction involving commerce. Ronald Franks and
Roy Anderson entered into a contract as citizens of Tennessee and Mississippi respectively to
perform work in Louisiana,84 which means that the transaction involved interstate commerce and
the FAA applies. Accordingly, the Court concludes that the Subcontract’s arbitration provision
falls within the scope of the FAA. It will therefore consider whether the arbitration clause is
enforceable.
C.

Whether Roy Anderson’s Crossclaim Should be Dismissed or Stayed Pursuant to the
Subcontracts’ Arbitration Provisions
In its motion, Ronald Franks argues that the Subcontracts contain valid and enforceable

arbitration provisions, and that Roy Anderson’s crossclaim falls within the scope of the arbitration
provisions.85 By contrast, Roy Anderson argues that the Subcontract does not permit Ronald

81

9 U.S.C. § 4.

See Rec. Doc. 130-1 at 4 n.4 (Ronald Franks asserting that “[t]he business relationship at issue here is
clearly one involving interstate commerce and falls within the scope of the FAA”); Rec. Doc. 150 at 6–7 (discussing
the “federal policy favoring arbitration” and citing case law applying the FAA) (citing Jones v. Halliburton Co., 583
F.3d 228, 233 (5th Cir. 2009); Wash. Mut. Fin. Grp. v. Bailey, 364 F.3d 260, 263 (5th Cir. 2004); Webb v. Investacorp,
Inc., 89 F.3d 252, 257–58 (5th Cir. 1996)).
82

83

See Rec. Doc. 130-1 at 4; Rec. Doc. 130-3.

84

See Rec. Doc. 92 at 15.

85

Rec. Doc. 130-1 at 4–7.

16

Franks to enforce the arbitration provision, and that even if it does, the dispute between the two
parties does not fall within the purview of these provisions.86
The Supreme Court has made clear that there is a strong presumption in favor of
arbitrability,87 and thus, any doubts about the arbitrability of a dispute should be resolved in favor
of arbitration.88 To overcome this presumption, there must be clear evidence that the parties did
not intend the claim to be arbitrable.89 The Fifth Circuit has established a two-step inquiry to
determine if an arbitration clause is enforceable.90 First, a court determines whether the parties
agreed to arbitrate.91 This involves determining both whether there was a valid agreement to
arbitrate and whether the dispute in question falls within the scope of the arbitration clause.92
Second, a court determines whether any legal constraints external to the agreement foreclose the
arbitration of claims.93
The FAA provides that a “written provision in . . . a contract . . . to settle by arbitration a
controversy thereafter arising out of such contract or transaction, or the refusal to perform the
whole or any part thereof . . . shall be valid, irrevocable, and enforceable, save upon such grounds

86

Rec. Doc. 150 at 5.

87

See E.E.O.C. v. Waffle House, 534 U.S. 279, 289 (2002).

88

See Moses H. Cone Mem'l Hosp. v. Mercury Constr. Corp., 460 U.S. 1, 24–25 (1983).

89

Harvey v. Joyce, 199 F.3d 790, 793 (5th Cir. 2000).

90

Fleetwood Enters., Inc. v. Gaskamp, 280 F.3d 1069, 1073 (5th Cir. 2002).

91

Id.

92

Id.

93

Id.

17

as exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract.” 94 Section 2 of the FAA “is a
congressional declaration of a liberal federal policy favoring arbitration agreements,
notwithstanding any state substantive or procedural policies to the contrary.”95 “[T]he strong
federal policy favoring arbitration preempts state laws that act to limit the availability of
arbitration.”96 More specifically, “the FAA will preempt any state laws that contradict the purpose
of the FAA by requir[ing] a judicial forum for the resolution of claims which the contracting parties
agreed to resolve by arbitration.”97
1.

Whether a valid and enforceable agreement to arbitrate exists

Here, both parties agree that the Subcontracts include arbitration clauses, and the parties
do not argue that any external legal constraints foreclose the arbitration of the claims.98 Section
30.1.1 of the parties’ Subcontracts provide that, “[e]xcept as otherwise provided herein, all claims,
disputes, or other matters in controversy or question referenced in this Section shall be decided by
binding arbitration in accordance with the current and applicable rules and procedures of the
American Arbitration Association.”99 While Roy Anderson does not dispute the validity of the
Subcontracts or dispute that they contain arbitration provisions generally, it argues that the

94

9 U.S.C. § 2.

95

Moses H. Cone Mem'l Hosp., 460 U.S. at 24.

96

Saturn Distrib. Corp. v. Paramount Saturn, Ltd., 326 F.3d 684, 687 (5th Cir. 2003) (citing Southland Corp.
v. Keating, 465 U.S. 1, 16 (1984)).
97

Davis v. EGL Eagle Global Logistics L.P., 243 F. App’x 39, 44 (5th Cir. 2007) (quotations and citations

omitted).
98

See Rec. Docs. 130-1, 150.

99

Rec. Doc. 130-3 at 9.

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Subcontracts do not give Ronald Franks the authority to enforce the arbitration provisions.100 In
particular, Roy Anderson points out that Section 30.2 of the Subcontracts provides:
The locale of any arbitration of administrative proceeding between the Contractor
and the Subcontractor and the venue of any litigation shall be in the county/parish
and state of the Contractor’s home office, unless the Contractor, in its sole
discretion designates another locale or venue to facilitate joinder of Parties,
consolidation of claims, or other interests of the Contractor. Any locale or venue
designated by the Contractor shall be binding on the Subcontractor.101
Roy Anderson asserts that Section 30.2 of the Subcontracts “grant [Roy Anderson] the election
about whether any disputes should proceed to arbitration.”102
As a preliminary matter, the Court notes that both parties agree that Louisiana law governs
their Subcontracts,103 and Section 32.6 of the Subcontracts provides that the “laws of the State in
which the Project is located shall govern this Subcontract.”104 The Project underlying these
Subcontracts was located in Louisiana.105 Thus, the Court will interpret the Subcontracts in
accordance with Louisiana law.
Under Louisiana law, the purpose of contract interpretation is to determine “the common
intent of the parties.”106 Words and phrases used in the contract are to be given their “plain,

100

Rec. Doc. 150 at 7.

101

Rec. Doc. 130-3 at 9.

102

Rec. Doc. 150 at 7.

103

Rec. Doc. 130-1 at 5 (asserting that Louisiana law applies to the Subcontract); Rec. Doc. 150 at 6 (applying
Louisiana law to the Subcontract).
104

Rec. Doc. 130-1 at 5 (discussing Section 32.6 of the Subcontracts).

105

Rec. Doc. 130-3 at 1–3.

106

La. Civ. Code art. 2045.

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ordinary and generally prevailing meaning.”107 “[E]ach provision in a contract must be interpreted
in light of the other provisions so that each is given the meaning suggested by the contract as a
whole.”108 “When the words of a contract are clear and explicit and lead to no absurd
consequences, no further interpretation may be made in search of the parties’ intent.”109 Extrinsic
evidence is only admissible when a contract is ambiguous.110 “A contract is ambiguous when it
lacks a provision bearing on the issue, its written terms are susceptible to more than one
interpretation, there is uncertainty as to its provisions, or the parties’ intent cannot be ascertained
from the language used.”111 However, contractual provisions are not considered ambiguous
“merely because one party creates a dispute about it.”112
Here, Roy Anderson argues that Section 30.2 of the Subcontracts grant it the sole discretion
to decide if a claim or cause of action should be determined through arbitration. The Court finds
this argument unpersuasive. The plain language of Section 30.2 of the parties’ Subcontracts
indicates that the Section deals with where an arbitration action or litigation may proceed, as it
allows Roy Anderson to select “the locale of any arbitration [or] administrative proceeding . . . and

107

See Wisznia Co. v. Gen. Star Indem. Co., 759 F.3d 446, 448 (5th Cir. 2014) (quoting Mayo v. State farm
Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2003-1801, at 3 (La. 2/25/04); 869 So.2d 96, 99)); La. Civ. Code art. 2047.
108

La. Civ. Code art. 2050.

109

La. Civ. Code art. 2046; See Greenwood 950, L.L.C. v. Chesapeake Louisiana, L.P., 683 F.3d 666, 668–
69 (5th Cir. 2012); Prejean v. Guillory, 2010-0740, at 6 (La. 7/2/10); 38 So. 3d 274, 279; see also Sapp v. Wood Grp.
PSN, Inc., No. 15-3, 2016 WL 6995897, at *4 (E.D. La. Nov. 30, 2016) (Brown, J.)).
110

See Greenwood 950, L.L.C., 683 F.3d at 668–69.

111
Campbell v. Melton, 2001-2578 (La. 5/14/02), 817 So. 2d 69, 75; Sequoia Venture No. 2, Ltd. v. Cassidy,
42,426 (La. App. 2 Cir. 10/10/07), 968 So. 2d 806, 809–10.
112

Sequoia Venture No. 2, Ltd., 968 So. 2d at 809–10 (citations omitted).

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the venue of any litigation” if it does not want the arbitration or litigation to proceed in “the
county/parish and state of [Roy Anderson’s] home office.”113 Thus, Section 30.2 clearly only
grants Roy Anderson the authority to determine the location of these proceedings, and does not
grant Roy Anderson the unilateral discretion to decide to forgo arbitration entirely. Roy Anderson
has not pointed to any other language in the Subcontracts or authority that would support its
interpretation of the Subcontracts. Rather, the arbitration provision clearly provides that all claims
and disputes between the parties “shall be decided by binding arbitration.”114 Accordingly, the
Court finds that a valid agreement to arbitrate claims between the parties exists and is
enforceable.115
Whether Roy Anderson’s crossclaim falls within the scope of the arbitration
agreement

2.

Roy Anderson further contends that, even if the arbitration provision is enforceable by
Ronald Franks, the dispute here falls outside the scope of the arbitration agreement.116 In particular,
Roy Anderson points out that the arbitration provision only applies to “all claims, disputes, or other
matters in controversy or question referenced in this Section.”117 According to Roy Anderson,
because indemnification is not referenced in Section 30 of the Subcontracts, Roy Anderson’s
crossclaim for indemnification and breach of contract falls outside the plain language of the

113

Rec. Doc. 130-3 at 9 (emphasis added).

114

Id.

115

See Pennzoil Expl. & Prod. Co. v. Ramco Energy Ltd., 139 F.3d 1061, 1065 (5th Cir. 1998).

116

Rec. Doc. 150 at 8.

117

Id. (emphasis added).

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provision.118
Both the Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit have explicitly held that disputes over the
arbitrability of a claim, i.e. “the question of what issues a party can be compelled to arbitrate,” is
an issue for the court, rather than the arbitrator, to decide.119 Thus, “[t]he question [of] whether the
parties have submitted a particular dispute to arbitration, i.e., the ‘question of arbitrability,’ is ‘an
issue for judicial determination [u]nless the parties clearly and unmistakably provide
otherwise.’”120 By contrast, courts have also determined that it is presumed that the parties
intended for arbitrators, and not the courts, to decide disputes regarding “procedural preconditions

118

Id.

Pennzoil Expl. & Prod. Co., 139 F.3d at 1066 (“Whether the dispute falls within the arbitration agreement
is a determination this court must make . . . .”); see also BG Grp., PLC v. Republic of Argentina, 134 S. Ct. 1198,
1206 (2014) (holding that it is presumed that parties intend for the courts, not arbitrators, to decide disputes about
“arbitrability,” such as “whether an arbitration clause in a concededly binding contract applies to a particular type of
controversy”); Oxford Health Plans LLC v. Sutter, 133 S. Ct. 2064, 2068 n.2 (2013); Executone Info. Sys., Inc. v.
Davis, 26 F.3d 1314, 1321 (5th Cir. 1994) (noting that the questions of whether a party can be compelled to arbitrate
and what issues a party can be compelled to arbitrate are issues for the court to decide). This Court notes that there
appears to be some conflicting guidance within the Fifth Circuit as to whether the Court or the arbitrator should decide
whether Roy Anderson’s crossclaim falls within the scope of the arbitration provision. See LLOG Expl. Offshore, LLC
v. Newfield Expl. Co., No. 15-1746, 2016 WL 98618, at *3–5 (E.D. La. Jan. 8, 2016) (Engelhardt, J.) (discussing the
differing case law on the question of whether the courts or arbitrators should decide issues of arbitrability). For
example, the Fifth Circuit has also held that the question of who determines issues of arbitrability is decided by
examining the breadth of the arbitration provision, rather than what the parties are disputing. See, e.g., In re Complaint
of Hornbeck Offshore (1984) Corp., 981 F.2d 752, 754 (5th Cir. 1993) (concluding that, if an arbitration clause is
“broad,” then the arbitrator should determine whether a dispute falls within the clause, while clauses that are narrow
should not be referred to arbitration unless the court determines that the dispute falls within the clause). In In re
Hornbeck, for instance, the Fifth Circuit determined that, because the arbitration clause was broad, “the district court
should have granted the stay under § 3 and permitted the arbitrators to decide, among other things, whether the
contribution/indemnification dispute falls within it.” Id. at 755. However, this Court notes that, in Pennzoil Expl. &
Prod. Co., the Fifth Circuit acknowledged that there may be a conflict between their decisions as to who decides issues
of arbitrability, but ultimately concluding that questions regarding what issues a party can be compelled to arbitrate
should be decided by the court rather than the arbitrator. Pennzoil Expl. & Prod. Co., 139 F.3d at 1066 & n.7.
Accordingly, based on both Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit precedent, the Court will proceed to determine whether
the arbitration agreement between the two parties applies to Roy Anderson’s crossclaim.
119

120

Howsam v. Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc., 537 U.S. 79, 83 (2002) (citing First Options of Chicago, Inc. v.
Kaplan, 514 U.S. 938, 943 (1995); AT & T Technologies, Inc. v. Communications Workers, 475 U.S. 643, 649 (1986)).

22

for the use of arbitration.”121
Here, the parties dispute whether Roy Anderson’s crossclaim for indemnification and
breach of contract falls within the scope of the arbitration agreement. In other words, the parties
dispute whether they agreed to arbitrate claims for indemnification and breach of contract, as it is
well settled that a party “cannot be required to submit to arbitration any dispute which he has not
agreed so to submit.”122 Moreover, neither party has pointed to any language in the Subcontracts
indicating that they “clearly and unmistakably” intended for an arbitrator to decide questions of
arbitrability rather than the Court.123 Accordingly, this Court, and not an arbitrator, must resolve
the dispute over the arbitrability of Roy Anderson’s claims.124
There is a strong presumption in favor of arbitrability,125 and the party resisting arbitration
bears the burden of proving that a dispute is not arbitrable.126 To overcome the presumption in

121

BG Grp., PLC, 134 S. Ct. at 1206; see also Howsam 537 U.S. at 85 (determining that questions regarding
the applicability of a time limit rule is a matter presumptively for the arbitrator, and not the court, to decide); Oil,
Chem. & Atomic Workers' Int'l Union, Local 4-447 v. Chevron Chem. Co., 815 F.2d 338, 340 (5th Cir. 1987)
(discussing the difference between questions of substantive and procedural arbitrability, and determining that
procedural questions should be decided by an arbitrator); Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. v. Vt Halter Marine, Inc.,
No. 16-11264, 2016 WL 6124328, at *11 (E.D. La. Oct. 20, 2016) (Brown, J.) (finding that questions of timeliness
are procedural and thus should be determined by an arbitrator).
122

Oil, Chem. & Atomic Workers' Int'l Union, Local 4-447, 815 F.2d at 340.

123

Howsam, 537 U.S. at 83.

124
See AT & T Technologies, Inc., 475 U.S. at 649 (holding that a court should decide whether a labormanagement layoff controversy falls within the arbitration clause of a collective-bargaining agreement); Atkinson v.
Sinclair Refining Co., 370 U.S. 238, 241–243 (1962) (holding that a court should decide whether a clause providing
for arbitration of various “grievances” covers claims for damages for breach of a no-strike agreement); Oil, Chem. &
Atomic Workers' Int'l Union, Local 4-447, 815 F.2d at 340 (“The judiciary should determine only whether the parties
agreed to submit a grievance to arbitration.”). See note 199 supra.
125

See Waffle House, 534 U.S. at 289.

126

See Am. Heritage Life Ins. Co., 321 F.3d at 539.

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favor of arbitrability, there must be clear evidence that the parties did not intend the claim to be
arbitrated.127 Here, Roy Anderson has not met its burden to prove that the instant dispute falls
outside the scope of the parties’ arbitration agreement, because it has not presented clear evidence
that the parties did not intend for Roy Anderson’s crossclaim to be arbitrated. Roy Anderson points
out that Section 30.1.1 limits the scope of the arbitration provision to those claims, disputes, and
other matters in controversy that are “referenced in this Section.”128 However, Section 30.1
explicitly states that “all claims, disputes, and other matters in controversy or question between
[Roy Anderson] and [Ronald Franks] arising out of or relating to this Subcontract, including
allegations of breach and claims of tort as well as contract, shall be decided in accordance with
this Section,” i.e. the mandatory arbitration provision.129
Therefore, the Court finds that Roy Anderson’s crossclaim for indemnification against
Plaintiffs’ FLSA claims for unpaid compensation for work done on the Project and for breach of
the Subcontracts falls within the scope of the arbitration provision. Roy Anderson’s crossclaim
seeking indemnification and breach of contract clearly arises out of and relates to the Subcontracts,
and the Subcontracts explicitly provide that breach of contract claims are arbitrable. Thus, the
Court finds that (1) there was a valid agreement to arbitrate and (2) the dispute in question falls
within the scope of the arbitration provisions. Even if Roy Anderson’s attenuated interpretation of
the Subcontracts was plausible, the dispute must still be submitted to arbitration, because the Fifth

127

See Moses H. Cone, 460 U.S. at 24–25.

128

Rec. Doc. 150 at 8.

129

Rec. Doc. 130-3 at 9 (emphasis added).

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Circuit has instructed that any doubts about the arbitrability of a dispute should be resolved in
favor of arbitration.130
3.

Whether Roy Anderson’s crossclaim should be dismissed or stayed pending
arbitration

Finally, Roy Anderson argues that Ronald Franks’ motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule
12(b)(6) is procedurally improper, as Ronald Franks does not challenge the sufficiency of Roy
Anderson’s allegations and instead contests the forum in which Roy Anderson brings its
crossclaim.131 The Court need not address this argument, as Ronald Franks also requests, in the
alternative, a stay pending arbitration. Section 3 of the FAA provides that when claims are properly
referable to arbitration, upon application of one of the parties, the Court shall stay the trial of the
action until the arbitration is complete.132 That is, when a court finds that one or more issues
between parties are referable to arbitration pursuant to a valid arbitration agreement, generally the
FAA requires the Court to stay the action until the arbitration is complete.133 Therefore, the Court
finds it appropriate to grant the motion in part to the extent that Ronald Franks requests a stay of
the litigation of Roy Anderson’s crossclaim against Ronald Franks pending the outcome of its

130

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. v. Gaskamp, 280 F.3d 1069, 1073 (5th Cir. 2002); see also Tittle v. Enron
Corp., 463 F.3d 410, 418 (5th Cir. 2006) (“[W]here the contract contains an arbitration clause, there is a presumption
of arbitrability.”)(quotations omittted); Alfortish v. GreenSky, LLC, No. 16-15084, 2017 WL 699830, at *7 (E.D. La.
Feb. 22, 2017) (Lemelle, J.) (“To determine if a dispute falls within the scope of an arbitration agreement, courts must
keep in mind that any doubts should be resolved in favor of arbitration.”).
131

Rec. Doc. 150 at 5.

132

9 U.S.C. § 3.

133

See Bloxom v. Landmark Pub. Corp., 184 F. Supp. 2d 578, 585 (E.D. Tex. 2002).

25

arbitration.134 Accordingly, the Court will deny the motion in part to the extent that Ronald Franks
alternatively requests that the Court dismiss the crossclaim entirely in favor of arbitration.
IV. Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, the Court concludes that Ronald Franks has not demonstrated that
Roy Anderson is precluded from litigating the issues in the instant motion under the Louisiana law
of res judicata. Ronald Franks has not shown that the issues raised in its motion were “actually
litigated and determined” in a state court or were “essential” to a state court’s judgment such that
Roy Anderson would be precluded from litigating them now. The Court also finds that Roy
Anderson and Ronald Franks entered into valid agreements to arbitrate the instant disputes.
Moreover, the Court determines that Roy Anderson’s crossclaim falls within the scope of the
Subcontracts’ arbitration provisions. Therefore, pursuant to Section 3 of the FAA, the Court will
grant the motion in part to the extent that Ronald Franks requests a stay of the litigation of Roy
Anderson’s crossclaim against Ronald Franks pending the outcome of arbitration. By contrast, the
Court will deny the motion in part to the extent that Ronald Franks alternatively requests that the
Court dismiss the crossclaim entirely in favor of arbitration. Accordingly,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Ronald Franks’ “Motion to Dismiss Crossclaim of Roy
Anderson Corp. or, Alternatively, to Stay Proceedings Pending the Outcome of Arbitration” 135 is
GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART.

134
See Tai Ping Ins. Co. v. M/V Warschau, 731 F.2d 1141, 1144 n.2 (5th Cir. 1984) (noting that the district
court properly granted a “section 3 motion for a stay of litigation of the cross-claim pending its arbitration”).
135

Rec. Doc. 130.

26

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the motion is granted in part to the extent it request a
stay of the litigation of Roy Anderson’s crossclaim against Ronald Franks pending the outcome of
arbitration.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the motion is denied in part to the extent that it requests that
the crossclaim be dismissed in favor of arbitration.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA this 28th day of March, 2017.
_____

________________________________
NANNETTE JOLIVETTE BROWN
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

27