bbspa_Group
 bbspa_Group
 bbspa_Group
 
EMPLOYERS: POST A JOB
Free ezines & magazines
Jobs News Video Training Products Magazines Spa Business spa-kit Handbook What's on Advertise Subscribe
LATEST JOBS
STAR JOB
Centre Manager
Exeter City Council
SALARY: £38,296 - £40,478pa
LOCATION: Exeter, UK
MORE JOBS
Catalogue gallery
More catalogues
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com
04-06 Oct 2023
Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic
04-06 Oct 2023
Uruguay
15-16 Oct 2023
ExCel London, London, United Kingdom
22-25 Oct 2023
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, United States
24-26 Oct 2023
IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Thailand
24-27 Oct 2023
Palmaïa, The House of Aia, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
28-30 Oct 2023
Hilton, Palm Springs Hotel, Palm Springs, United States
30 Oct - 01 Nov 2023
Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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 8523 news stories
03 Oct 2023
Vladi Kovanic has been recognised for her services to the spa, wellness and hospitality industries by Spa-A Federation during its 21st-anniversary gala in Paris, France. The French industry body recognised the VK-Organisation founder by awarding ... More
03 Oct 2023
A new Miraval Resorts & Spas wellness destination has opened in San Diego, California, within the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. The 15,000sq ft Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara represents the ... More
30 Sep 2023
More than 100 people from across the academic and sport and physical activity sectors gathered at the Royal Society of Arts in London on 28 September to launch the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England. ... More
27 Sep 2023
Architect and designer Alberto Apostoli has unveiled his new integrated wellness consulting firm, Armonia, to bolster spas around the world and transform them into commercially and economically successful destinations. Serving as the company’s project lead ... More
28 Sep 2023
The share price of Peloton has jumped after it signed a deal to become the exclusive digital fitness content provider for athletic apparel giant, Lululemon. The five-year strategic partnership will see Peloton’s content being made ... More
27 Sep 2023
Austria-based medical wellness resort operator Lanserhof Group has announced plans to open a new health destination near Marbella in Spain. The property will mark Lanserhof’s fourth European resort and join its portfolio of destinations located ... More
26 Sep 2023
US massage franchise Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is set to convert 23 Massage Green franchise locations across the US to its brand. Launched in 2004, Hand & Stone now has almost 600 ... More
26 Sep 2023
Disruptions in the way the human brain links memory and appetite could help explain some disorders associated with obesity. Research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, US, suggests that disrupted ... More
26 Sep 2023
The Dorchester Collection’s Parisian outpost, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, has refreshed its Dior spa with new facilities and exclusive wellness programming. Complete with five single treatment rooms, a couple’s treatment room, a sauna and a hammam, ... More
22 Sep 2023
Therme Group has received planning permission to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, after a four-year journey. Planning approval has been granted for the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, in ... More
21 Sep 2023
Improved mental health is now a stronger motivation for Brits to exercise than staying in shape. More than half of respondents (54 per cent) to a survey of 2,271 people – commissioned by UK Active ... More
20 Sep 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first-ever report on the "devastating global impact" of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against the condition. The report, called ... More
     
International SPA Association - iSPA
Oakworks Inc
Company Profile
Sothys Paris
Founded in 1946, Sothys is owned by the Mas family. Chief executive Christian Mas oversees the [more]
 
MORE PROFILES
Featured Supplier
The future of spa management is coming: Introducing Premier 2.0
From the original pioneers of spa management comes a new platform set to redefine the market. ... more
AMRA Skincare
Product news
iS Clinical introduces epigenetic retinol duo: Retinol+ Emulsion
iS Clinical introduces epigenetic retinol duo: Retinol+ Emulsion
Voya expands US portfolio with new nature-inspired spa partnership in Michigan
Voya expands US portfolio with new nature-inspired spa partnership in Michigan
Myndstream and Salt Chamber partner to elevate self-guided halotherapy treatments
Myndstream and Salt Chamber partner to elevate self-guided halotherapy treatments
Celestial Glow: Introducing Voya’s collection of certified organic gifts for the festive season and beyond
Celestial Glow: Introducing Voya’s collection of certified organic gifts for the festive season and beyond
Biologique Recherche updates Solar Range with two new suncare products
Biologique Recherche updates Solar Range with two new suncare products
Discover the ultimate body care experience – introducing Comfort Zone's Tranquillity™ Body Scrub and Tranquillity™ Scrub Spa Ritual
Discover the ultimate body care experience – introducing Comfort Zone's Tranquillity™ Body Scrub and Tranquillity™ Scrub Spa Ritual
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



 bbspa_Group
 bbspa_Group
 bbspa_Group
 bbspa_Group
Jobs    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
Vladi Kovanic crowned winner of Spa-A’s 2023 Personality of the Year award
Vladi Kovanic has been recognised for her services to the spa, wellness and hospitality industries by Spa-A Federation during its 21st-anniversary gala in Paris, France.
Miraval’s fourth Life in Balance Spa opens in California at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
A new Miraval Resorts & Spas wellness destination has opened in San Diego, California, within the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa.
Physical literacy initiative will ‘build a nation that loves to move’
More than 100 people from across the academic and sport and physical activity sectors gathered at the Royal Society of Arts in London on 28 September to launch the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England.
Alberto Apostoli spearheads launch of Armonia wellness consultancy
Architect and designer Alberto Apostoli has unveiled his new integrated wellness consulting firm, Armonia, to bolster spas around the world and transform them into commercially and economically successful destinations.
Lululemon dumps Mirror and signs up with Peloton for digital content – shares jump on the news
The share price of Peloton has jumped after it signed a deal to become the exclusive digital fitness content provider for athletic apparel giant, Lululemon.
Lanserhof to enter Spanish market in 2026 with Marbella health resort
Austria-based medical wellness resort operator Lanserhof Group has announced plans to open a new health destination near Marbella in Spain.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Oakworks Inc

Oakworks is a US-based FSC-certified manufacturer of spa, massage, and medical equipment. [more...]
+ More profiles  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

04-06 Oct 2023

27th European Spas Congress

Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic
04-06 Oct 2023

Termatalia Uruquay

Uruguay
+ 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