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Fitness instructors at two of Australia’s biggest gym chains have won a pay rise after an online petition won the support of thousands when it went viral.
The United Workers Union (UWU) petition claims group fitness instructors at Fitness First and Goodlife health clubs had been paid the same rate, $42.50 per class, for the past 15 years.
While their pay had plateaued for a decade and a half, clients’ gym fees were rising alongside profits at parent company Fitness and Lifestyle Group (FLG), union leaders said.
Instructors reportedly struggled to pay their rent and bills, with their salaries stagnating while the cost of living increased dramatically.
After apparently collapsing negotiations, FLG reached a deal within two weeks of the petition going live and increased staff salaries by 6 to 8 percent.
Fitness instructors employed by the parent company of two of Australia’s biggest gyms, Fitness First (pictured) and Goodlife, have won a battle for a pay rise.
UWU director Godfrey Moase said the salary issue had forced instructors to unionize to take on the FLG as a group.
“Fitness workers in Australia had been experiencing wage stagnation for many years and in response they came together and joined their union,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“The cohort of group fitness instructors working for FLG, owners of Fitness First and Goodlife gyms, had begun to organize and, as part of this, started a petition which gained traction very quickly.
“FLG bosses had categorically refused to accept a pay increase, but thanks to organizing efforts and two weeks after the petition went live, the company made an improved pay offer, which is a huge victory for the workers.”
Mr. Moase added that the dispute is “not over yet” and that the union “will continue to be guided by workers on the next steps.”
The petition remains in effect more than a week after the pay increase and continues to add to more than 3,500 signatories from other instructors concerned by gym-goers.
Instructors had been paid the same rate, $42.50 per class, for over 15 years and were beginning to struggle to pay rent and bills (stock image)
“A good fitness class can make or break my week,” one wrote. “These instructors deserve to see their salaries improved,” one wrote.
“Fitness instructors deserve good, safe, well-paying jobs,” wrote a second.
A third added that “fitness instructors have a limited working life and work extremely hard.” Gyms cannot function without them.
FLG was formed in 2016 and purchased Fitness First and Goodlife shortly thereafter, bringing in then-Goodlife CEO Greg Oliver to run the company.
The Brisbane-based company also owns Vietnam’s largest gym network, California Fitness and Yoga, as well as influencer Emily Skye’s eponymous fitness program.
The chain told Daily Mail Australia the issue has now been resolved.