Oakworks Inc
Oakworks Inc
Oakworks Inc
 
EMPLOYERS: POST A JOB
Free ezines & magazines
News Video Training Products Magazines Spa Business spa-kit Handbook What's on Advertise Subscribe
Catalogue gallery
More catalogues
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com
08-11 Jan 2024
Murrieta Hot Springs, United States
25-28 Jan 2024
Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France
06-08 Feb 2024
Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, United Kingdom
02-04 Mar 2024
Excel exhibition and conference centre , London, United Kingdom
03-05 Mar 2024
Javits Convention Center, New York City, United States
20-20 Mar 2024
Virtual, United States
21-24 Mar 2024
Fair District, Bologna, Italy
08-09 Apr 2024
St. Martins Spa & Lodge, Frauenkirchen, Austria
Equinox tells HCM it plans to fight $11.25m race discrimination ruling
By Tom Walker 02 Jun 2023
Equinox says it will fight the court's race discrimination ruling Credit: Shutterstock/Michael Vi
Equinox has been ordered to pay out US$11.25m to a former employee
Röbynn Europe, a black female fitness trainer, claimed she was discriminated against
In response, Equinox said Europe was sacked due to being repeatedly late for work
Equinox lost the court case – but "vehemently disagrees" with the decision and will appeal
Lifestyle brand Equinox has told HCM it plans to fight a ruling by the US courts that it must pay pay US$11.25m to a former employee who claimed she was discriminated against due to race, saying it "vehemently disagrees with the jury’s finding".

Röbynn Europe, a black female personal trainer, started work at Equinox's club on 92nd Street in New York in November 2018, but was sacked in September 2019. The ensuing court case has just concluded.

According to Europe, during her time working for Equinox she made multiple complaints to management about being subjected to a racially hostile environment at the club.

She sued the company in September 2020, citing unlawful dismissal and discrimination, testifying that a manager who reported to her often made inappropriate comments about black women's bodies, diverted personal training clients away from employees of colour and harassed staff with offensive language.

In response, Equinox denied the claims and said her dismissal was purely down to bad attendance.

Equinox said she had twice been warned about being late for work. Despite this, the company said she had been late for work on nine occasions in approximately three weeks during September 2019, as well as a further 15 times out of 22 scheduled shifts in August 2019.

In court, the jury found in her favour, agreeing that she had been subject to a hostile working environment.

Europe did not contest the allegations about her late arrival at work but showed that other trainers who were late on a similar number of occasions were not disciplined or sacked. She also presented evidence to show that she had never missed a client appointment and often stayed late when needed.

She was awarded US$1.25m in compensatory damages and $10m in punitive damages, as well as $16,000 in economic damages representing back pay.

Equinox denies the accusations of discrimination and is looking to overturn the decision.

Speaking to HCM, a spokesperson said: “We do not tolerate discrimination in any form.

"This was a case of termination for performance that relates to attendance and nothing more. Her claims of bias are completely baseless and uncorroborated

"We worked with Ms. Europe over a period of months to address repeated issues related to her tardiness and attendance (arriving late 47 times during her 11 months with the company), which she agreed needed improvement.

"Other employees have been terminated for similar patterns of tardiness and attendance."

Susan Crumiller, Europe lawyer from feminist litigation firm Crumiller, said: “We could not be more thrilled with this outcome. The jury sent a loud message to Equinox that there are serious consequences for corporations that permit racist and sexist behavior in the workplace.

"We are also pleased the jury found Equinox’s racism had a severe and lasting impact on Röbynn’s mental health and that she deserved to be compensated for it," said Crumiller. "Let this be a warning to all businesses in New York that if you try to brush harassment and discrimination under the rug, you will not get away with it.”

HCM will report on the appeal in due course.

The full verdict of the case can be accessed and read here.

Equinox Group has a portfolio of wellness brands with 300 properties globally, including Equinox Fitness, Equinox Hotels, SoulCycle, Blink Fitness, Equinox Media, Pure Yoga, Furthermore and Precision Run.

It also launched E by Equinox, a high-end, customised wellness offering which functions out of two clubs – in London and New York.

The company’s Equinox+ App gives access to on-demand workouts, recovery and mental health support from Equinox, SoulCycle, Solidcore, TB12, Pure Yoga, Precision Run and HeadStrong.


News
1 to 12 of 8576 news stories
08 Dec 2023
London has gained a substantial new urban spa in Belgravia following The Peninsula London’s grand unveiling of its subterranean Spa & Wellness Centre. Located beneath the new 190-room Peninsula London hotel, the facility’s opening marks ... More
07 Dec 2023
Global mindful movement specialist Sanctum will debut in the US in 2024 thanks to a new year-long partnership with Auberge Resorts Collection. Practised with headphones and a curated playlist, Sanctum’s signature workout combines modern fitness, ... More
06 Dec 2023
Google has just released Gemini, a new multimodal AI which is being billed as a "ChatGPT Killer". Unlike ChatGPT, it can take inputs in text, code, audio, image and video, making it far more powerful ... More
06 Dec 2023
An Independent Commission for Healthier Working Lives, supported by the Health Foundation, is being established to investigate the issue of declining health in the UK workforce and recommend action that can be taken by both ... More
04 Dec 2023
Gibbon Slacklines has announced the launch of the SlackFit, a series of playful group workout programmes that focus on core strength and balance. Founded by Robert Kaeding, Gibbon Slacklines has been instrumental in popularising the ... More
04 Dec 2023
Xponential Fitness has acquired metabolic health business, Lindora, as its eleventh brand from Solis Capital Partners and Innovate Partners. The move marks the company's first foray into the weight management market and responds to the increasing ... More
01 Dec 2023
A new rooftop spa has been added to modern alpine escape Das Central in the heart of Sölden, high in the Austrian Alps, to refresh the property’s wellness offering. The new Summit Spa has been ... More
30 Nov 2023
UK-based retailer, John Lewis, is launching a service which will enable customers to be proactive about managing their health, while also getting advice about exercise and nutrition. The company, which already offers access to opticians ... More
29 Nov 2023
Arch Amenities Group (AAG)* has branched into Canada with the acquisition of Personal Best Health and Performance, a Canadian leader in corporate wellness services. Personal Best, based in Palgrave, Ontario, provides consultative and management services ... More
28 Nov 2023
At a recent think tank, The Tourism Society hosted a panel overseen by its first female chair, Alison Cryer MBE, to discuss the importance of male allyship in the travel and tourism industry. In an ... More
27 Nov 2023
Spas from nine regions across the UK, from Scotland to the West Country, have won accolades in the Regional Good Spa Guide (GSG) Awards 2023. GSG unveiled the results of its eighth annual regional awards ... More
24 Nov 2023
Luxury hotel and spa operator Mandarin Oriental’s second London hotel will launch next January with a brand new spa designed as a boutique sister location to its flagship UK spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. ... More
     
International SPA Association - iSPA
Art of Cryo
Company Profile
Mindbody
Mindbody is the leading business management software for the fitness and wellness industries. [more]
 
MORE PROFILES
Featured Supplier
Biologique Recherche introduces Masque Caviar Vert
Biologique Recherche was founded by a family of passionate skincare experts. Today, it is managed by Rupert Schmid and Pierre-Louis Delapalme, while Philippe Allouche, son of founders Yvan and Josette Allouche, leads the Research & Development team. ... more
Oakworks Inc
Product news
Biologique Recherche rolls out new Cleansing Milks to suit every Skin Instant
Biologique Recherche rolls out new Cleansing Milks to suit every Skin Instant
Klafs acquired by Kohler from Egeria Group
Klafs acquired by Kohler from Egeria Group
Gharieni and Yon-Ka Paris team up to set new standards in the wellness industry
Gharieni and Yon-Ka Paris team up to set new standards in the wellness industry
Fashionizer Spa creates a seamless customer experience for clients far and wide
Fashionizer Spa creates a seamless customer experience for clients far and wide
Subtle Energies’ unveils new bioactive aesthetic line
Subtle Energies’ unveils new bioactive aesthetic line
Dynamic 2024 ISPA Conference Power Session keynotes unveiled
Dynamic 2024 ISPA Conference Power Session keynotes unveiled
Directory

 
JOBS
NEWS
VIDEO
TRAINING
PRODUCTS
MAGAZINE
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA-KIT.NET
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023



Oakworks Inc
Oakworks Inc
Oakworks Inc
Oakworks Inc
News   Products   Magazine
NEWS
Equinox tells HCM it plans to fight $11.25m race discrimination ruling
POSTED 02 Jun 2023 . BY Tom Walker
Equinox says it will fight the court's race discrimination ruling Credit: Shutterstock/Michael Vi
Equinox has been ordered to pay out US$11.25m to a former employee
Röbynn Europe, a black female fitness trainer, claimed she was discriminated against
In response, Equinox said Europe was sacked due to being repeatedly late for work
Equinox lost the court case – but "vehemently disagrees" with the decision and will appeal
Lifestyle brand Equinox has told HCM it plans to fight a ruling by the US courts that it must pay pay US$11.25m to a former employee who claimed she was discriminated against due to race, saying it "vehemently disagrees with the jury’s finding".

Röbynn Europe, a black female personal trainer, started work at Equinox's club on 92nd Street in New York in November 2018, but was sacked in September 2019. The ensuing court case has just concluded.

According to Europe, during her time working for Equinox she made multiple complaints to management about being subjected to a racially hostile environment at the club.

She sued the company in September 2020, citing unlawful dismissal and discrimination, testifying that a manager who reported to her often made inappropriate comments about black women's bodies, diverted personal training clients away from employees of colour and harassed staff with offensive language.

In response, Equinox denied the claims and said her dismissal was purely down to bad attendance.

Equinox said she had twice been warned about being late for work. Despite this, the company said she had been late for work on nine occasions in approximately three weeks during September 2019, as well as a further 15 times out of 22 scheduled shifts in August 2019.

In court, the jury found in her favour, agreeing that she had been subject to a hostile working environment.

Europe did not contest the allegations about her late arrival at work but showed that other trainers who were late on a similar number of occasions were not disciplined or sacked. She also presented evidence to show that she had never missed a client appointment and often stayed late when needed.

She was awarded US$1.25m in compensatory damages and $10m in punitive damages, as well as $16,000 in economic damages representing back pay.

Equinox denies the accusations of discrimination and is looking to overturn the decision.

Speaking to HCM, a spokesperson said: “We do not tolerate discrimination in any form.

"This was a case of termination for performance that relates to attendance and nothing more. Her claims of bias are completely baseless and uncorroborated

"We worked with Ms. Europe over a period of months to address repeated issues related to her tardiness and attendance (arriving late 47 times during her 11 months with the company), which she agreed needed improvement.

"Other employees have been terminated for similar patterns of tardiness and attendance."

Susan Crumiller, Europe lawyer from feminist litigation firm Crumiller, said: “We could not be more thrilled with this outcome. The jury sent a loud message to Equinox that there are serious consequences for corporations that permit racist and sexist behavior in the workplace.

"We are also pleased the jury found Equinox’s racism had a severe and lasting impact on Röbynn’s mental health and that she deserved to be compensated for it," said Crumiller. "Let this be a warning to all businesses in New York that if you try to brush harassment and discrimination under the rug, you will not get away with it.”

HCM will report on the appeal in due course.

The full verdict of the case can be accessed and read here.

Equinox Group has a portfolio of wellness brands with 300 properties globally, including Equinox Fitness, Equinox Hotels, SoulCycle, Blink Fitness, Equinox Media, Pure Yoga, Furthermore and Precision Run.

It also launched E by Equinox, a high-end, customised wellness offering which functions out of two clubs – in London and New York.

The company’s Equinox+ App gives access to on-demand workouts, recovery and mental health support from Equinox, SoulCycle, Solidcore, TB12, Pure Yoga, Precision Run and HeadStrong.
RELATED STORIES
Julia Klim announces Equinox Circle loyalty programme


Lifestyle brand, Equinox has signed a deal with eight high-end consumer brands to create a new loyalty programme of benefits for members.
Equinox suspends member sign-ups in controversial new year membership campaign


Luxury fitness chain Equinox hit headlines with its new year membership campaign that banned new members from joining on 1 January.
Equinox and SoulCycle to require proof of vaccine at their studios


Equinox Group will require customers and employees to provide proof of vaccine, if they want to enter its Equinox clubs, SoulCycle studios and corporate offices.
MORE NEWS
Auberge Resorts channels mindful movement for 2024 with exclusive Sanctum retreats
Global mindful movement specialist Sanctum will debut in the US in 2024 thanks to a new year-long partnership with Auberge Resorts Collection.
Google launches Gemini AI – its ChatGPT killer
Google has just released Gemini, a new AI which is being billed as a "ChatGPT Killer".
Workplace wellness – Health Foundation addresses growing crisis with creation of independent commission
An Independent Commission for Healthier Working Lives, supported by the Health Foundation, is being established to investigate the issue of declining health in the UK workforce and recommend action that can be taken by both the government and employers.
Gibbon Slacklines launches SlackFit programme to offer fresh option for group exercise
Gibbon Slacklines has announced the launch of the SlackFit, a series of playful group workout programmes that focus on core strength and balance.
Xponential snaps up 11th brand – move into metabolic health with the acquisition of Lindora
Xponential Fitness has acquired metabolic health business, Lindora, as its eleventh brand from Solis Capital Partners and Innovate Partners.
Das Central, Sölden’s new rooftop spa area connects guests with the outdoors
A new rooftop spa area has been added to modern alpine escape Das Central in the heart of Sölden, high in the Austrian Alps, to refresh the property’s wellness offering.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Hydrafacial

Hydrafacial, flagship brand of The Beauty Health Company, is a hydradermabrasion pioneer with a rich [more...]
+ More profiles  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

08-11 Jan 2024

Hot Springs Connection Conference

Murrieta Hot Springs, United States
25-28 Jan 2024

Les Thermalies, the water & well-being exhibition

Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France
+ More diary  
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS