Opinion ID: 846272
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: conduct of the parties

Text: We conclude that the issue whether the arbitration agreement here became statutory arbitration because of the conduct of the parties during the arbitration process must be answered in the negative. The change from the voluntary labor arbitration rules to the commercial dispute resolution procedures did not transform the parties agreement from a common-law arbitration agreement to a statutory arbitration agreement. The basic requirement of MCL 600.5001 et seq. that the agreement must be made in writing is not met in this case. It is true that the parties acquiesced in using the commercial dispute resolution procedures, but that does not change the fact that there is no written agreement containing the statutorily required language. Under common-law arbitration, Wold had the right to withdraw from the arbitration process at any time until the arbitrator made an award. Therefore, Wold's unilateral revocation of the arbitration process was in conformity with its right under common-law arbitration and with the parties' agreement.