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PRODUCT NEWS
Equinox tells HCM it plans to fight $11.25m race discrimination ruling
02 Jun 2023 . BY Tom Walker
Equinox says it will fight the court's race discrimination ruling / Shutterstock/Michael Vi
Equinox says it will fight the court's race discrimination ruling / Shutterstock/Michael Vi
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.
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WDT develops and produces high quality control and dosing systems for swimming pools and hydrotherma [more...]
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Oakworks is a US-based FSC-certified manufacturer of spa, massage, and medical equipment. [more...]
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26-29 Sep 2023

SPATEC North America

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04-06 Oct 2023

27th European Spas Congress

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News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
PRODUCT NEWS
Equinox tells HCM it plans to fight $11.25m race discrimination ruling
02 Jun 2023 . BY Tom Walker
Equinox says it will fight the court's race discrimination ruling / Shutterstock/Michael Vi
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.
If you would like to get each issue of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines sent direct to you for FREE, plus the weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines, sign up now!
PRODUCT NEWS
Biologique Recherche updates Solar Range with two new suncare products
Biologique Recherche has expanded its suncare line with a new supplement, Helios3, and sunscreen product for the body, Protection U.V. Corps SPF 50.
Subtle Energies rings in 30th anniversary with new Biotechnology Skincare range and packaging overhaul
Australian skincare brand Subtle Energies has marked its 30th anniversary with new products, treatments and a sustainable packaging upgrade.
The Madison Collection unveils The Tuxedo Collection
Introducing the Tuxedo Collection, The Madison Collection’s newest luxury linen and robe range which is fade-resistant, quick-drying and chlorine-compatible.
Living Earth Crafts launches Tribeca All-in-One Medi-Spa Chair
Spa equipment manufacturer Living Earth Crafts (LEC) has introduced a new space-saving treatment chair to accommodate an array of spa, aesthetic, IV and medi-spa treatments.
Swissline unveils Cell Shock White Brightening Intensified Night Cream
Swissline has developed a brand-new night cream that helps address pigmentation, melasma and dark spots, while reducing lines, wrinkles and inflammation.
Elemis launches limited-edition Green Fig Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Elemis’ iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is now available in a new aromatic blending notes of fig, raspberry and bergamot.
Terres d’Afrique expands African footprint with four new luxury spa partnerships
Premium South African spa and skincare brand Terres d’Afrique* has announced new partnerships with four Sub-Saharan African properties.
Milana Knowles joins Gharieni as vice president of US business development
Gharieni Group has announced the appointment of Milana Knowles as its new vice president of business development for the US.
Himalayan Source introduces Himalayan Salt Capsule
Himalayan Source has launched the Himalayan Salt Capsule to help spa, wellness and fitness facilities or residences upgrade their offering with halotherapy.
Esse’s latest skincare trio taps live probiotics to boost aesthetic treatments’ effects
Microbiome skincare and spa brand Esse Skincare has launched three new products containing lactobacillus bacteria to boost the effect of medical aesthetic treatments.
Alqvimia unveils Bust Firming Body Lotion and new décolletage treatment
Spanish aromatherapy spa and skincare brand Alqvimia has introduced a new pro-ageing solution for the neck, chest and decollete area; the Bust Firming Body Lotion.
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WDT Werner Dosiertechnik GmbH & Co. KG

WDT develops and produces high quality control and dosing systems for swimming pools and hydrotherma [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

26-29 Sep 2023

SPATEC North America

Eau Palm Beach , Manalapan, United States
04-06 Oct 2023

27th European Spas Congress

Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

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