[1] Although arbitration is a favored method of dispute resolution, arbitration agreements are unenforceable where substantive rights, embodied by statute, express a strong public policy which must be judicially enforced (Matter of Sprinzen [Nomberg], 46 NY2d 623; see, also, Matter of Aimcee Wholesale Corp. [Tomar Prods.], 21 NY2d 621).