Pure Fitness Layoffs: Over ​40 Employees Let Go Amid Unpaid ⁤Wages and Debt Collection Issues

Pure Fitness,​ a prominent chain fitness studio, has reportedly laid off more than 40 employees in recent months, including fitness coaches, logistics,⁣ and ​nutritionists. However, some​ employees ‍claim⁤ they‌ were not ‍paid their final salary,​ prompting them to‍ seek help from the Labor Department.

Unpaid Wages⁢ and Termination Contracts

About 10 of the laid-off employees were fitness instructors, who were required to⁣ sign a “termination contract” document. This⁤ contract allegedly stated that they could not pursue ⁤the company and file legal proceedings.​ Some employees did not receive full compensation, leading⁢ them to seek ⁤help ⁣from ​the Labor​ Department.

According to the Employment Ordinance, employers must pay termination compensation no later than 7 days after the contract termination date or the contract expiry⁢ date. The ‌Labor Department ⁢has advised employees to seek‌ help if they are owed wages or other employment rights.

Impact ⁢on Employees and Students

One of the laid-off coaches reported that his students were unable to⁣ get refunds due to bundled contracts with Pure⁢ Fitness. Instead, they could only attend classes with other coaches in the company, affecting ‍the coach’s livelihood. Some students ​also complained that the coach had temporarily changed jobs to “dump the bottom,” damaging his integrity.

Pure Fitness Response

Pure Fitness stated that the layoffs were due to investments in artificial intelligence‍ and automation technology to reduce manpower. The company claims to have provided appropriate compensation to affected employees⁢ and has not delayed payment of ⁣all statutory compensation.

Debt ⁢Collection Issues

Pure Fitness has been sued for debt collection twice in the⁣ past two months, with debts of NT$8.49 million⁢ and NT$12.68 million respectively. The company responded that it had successfully resolved the issue with ⁢the landlord and reached an agreement that both parties were satisfied with, and the relevant lawsuit had been withdrawn.

Alternative‍ Fitness Options

For those looking for alternative fitness options, here‌ are six major fitness studios with discounted fees:

• 24/7 Fitness
• Anytime ⁣Fitness
• Pure Fitness & Yoga
• GO24 ‌Fitness
• Snap Fitness
• Waterfall Sports & Wellness

Sports Safety Reminders

The Center for Health Protection of the Hong Kong Department of Health reminds members of the public to pay attention to six major safety points when doing exercise to avoid accidents:

• Warm up and ‍cool down properly
• Listen to your body and rest when needed
• Use proper equipment and gear
• Stay ⁣hydrated ‍and fuel your body
• Exercise with a buddy or group
• Seek‍ medical attention if you experience any discomfort ​or pain