Redwood Toxicology Laboratory, Inc. appeals from an order denying its motion to compel Robert Toothman to arbitrate his individual employment claims against it and to dismiss his class claims.  Redwood claimed that Toothman was bound by an arbitration agreement (Arbitration Agreement) he had signed with Apex Life Sciences, LLC, a temporary employment agency that initially placed him with Redwood.  After Toothman’s employment with Apex ended, Redwood hired him directly.  Toothman’s claims against Redwood are based exclusively on this period of direct employment.

We conclude that the trial court correctly denied Redwood’s motion for the following reasons:  Redwood was not a party to the Arbitration Agreement; even if it could be considered a third-party beneficiary, the Arbitration Agreement did not cover claims arising from Toothman’s employment with Redwood; and Toothman was not equitably estopped from refusing to arbitrate because his claims were not intertwined with or founded in the Arbitration Agreement.  We therefore affirm the order.

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https://www4.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/A171567.PDF