9 Jun, 2021 → by ClaimboUser724753
Employee Intimidation
1
Client Number LW135213 About 3 weeks ago the Lead Trainer was working the front desk and tried to use intimidation (including of a physical nature). I followed this up with a one on one with the manager and during that meeting he demonstrated empathy and understanding and seemed to genuinely want to help. Two and a half weeks later he then accused me of trying to threaten him. I understand that employees want to look out for each other and that at a gym there is an abundance of testosterones but that shouldn't be an excuse for what occurred. I have been a member for about 5 years and have never had anything remotely close to negative occurring. It has been an enjoyable experience. I am 67 years old and weigh about 140lbs. Upon running my app through the reader, the head or lead trainer (Leon) informed me that I will need a towel in order to work out. I said, ok, I will bring one starting tomorrow. He said that wasn't good enough and I told him that I don't have one. He said we have some and you can buy one from me. I said I don't want to buy one and I will bring one tomorrow. May I go work out now. He said no, you must have one. I told him I understand the towel requirement but I should have been given some warning. I go there 4 to 5 days a week and was never informed about that. The person working the desk (Olivia) confirmed that what I said was true and that I was never informed. He said that's basically not his problem and that I can't work out without one. I was now getting upset and said, you mean to tell me that I came all the way out here to exercise and I'm a paying member and you're refusing to allow me to stay and workout and he said yes. He then asked if I had a shirt or something else in my car that I could use. I thought that was just ridiculous and actually though of taking off my shirt (I didn't) and saying here is my towel. I told let him know that this was not right and that I will address this. I went to my car and found a scarf and used that. He then allowed me to go in. As I was entering I asked Olivia if she had ever informed me that a towel was needed and she said no she hadn't and all of a sudden Leon stood in between her and I and stuck out his chest and said, you're talking to me not her. I was shocked. I told him that I'm done with him and that I can talk to anyone I choose to. He then got closer and started repeating, you gonna workout or what...you gonna workout or what..., at least four times. After my workout I spoke with Olivia and asked her if I what she thought of the situation and she said that Leon did not handle that well at all. I met with the manager (a day or two later) and told him what had occurred. He was attentive and sympathetic and seemed to want to address the situation. He promised to keep me informed (I asked him that repeatedly) and he readily agreed each time. He assured me that he would investigate this and also talk to Olivia and that Leon had come to see him on this already. I thanked him and left. I waited a couple of weeks and then tried to hook up with the Manager (Will) but he was busy so it took a few times. When I finally did catch up to him he had absolutely no recollection of who I was and what my issue was. During our first meeting he did not take any notes. He asked me to remind him why I was there. I reminded him of the incident with Leon and he couldn't recall for some time. I also told him that I had left him multiple notes asking him to let me know what is going on. He ignored all of them. Finally he had an aha moment and he said he remembers now. He said that he hasn't had a chance to address the situation because he is so busy. I was shocked because this should have been treated with priority because of the potential of physicality being involved. He said I guess your mad but get in line. As a manager I have many people mad at me and you just can't make everyone happy. I was falling deeper into a state of disbelief and was getting angry. He actually accused me of threatening him (I am 67 years old and less than 140lbs). I said you've got to be kidding me. Then I said so are you telling me that you won't be doing anything about this and he said, I didn't say that. I said will you be doing something? He said he can't because Leon is in the hospital. I asked him why didn't you inform me like you promised and he said he can't share employee information. I replied, but you just did so what's going on here. Are you going to investigate or not? I also said you never even talked to Olivia, and he replied that he did talk to her on the day I complained. I looked him in the eye and said why are you lying to me? I've been asking Olivia if she had been questioned by anyone and she said no I haven't. I never asked her what she would have said, only if anyone had spoken with her. So now I have a manager who not only doesn't care but one who lies to my face. He looked down at his feet when I confronted this lie. I turned to leave and said I will be going to corporate with this because this is unacceptable. He smiled and said have a great day. I have stopped going to the gym because I am now feeling threatened by both Leon and Will. I would like to be kept informed throughout any process that might occur due to this complaint. Including any written correspondence and or disciplinary actions.