Fitness First Instructor’s Non-Dismissal for Sexual Harassment (Ire)
Summary Of Events I complained twice about a Fitness First Philippines Body Jam instructor verbally sexually harassing male clients during class. In response, said instructor was removed from the Fitness First Greenhills branch and reprimanded.
Dissatisfied, I emailed Kent Richards, the National Operations Consultant, regarding causes for dismissal, and is sexual harassment a cause for dismissal, Fitness First’s definition of sexual harassment and whether management would recognize petitions for dismissal. Mr. Richards’ reply is provided below, and my email is in direct response to his answer.
My Email TO Kent Richards
07 June 2006
Hi Kent,
First and foremost, thank you very much for the numerous attempts to call me. I really appreciate it.
And I really appreciate the email you sent me to clarify Fitness First’s policies.
I am very relieved to learn that, Fitness First “do[es] not tolerate either verbal, physical or sexual abuse,†and that, “Any sexual harassment case would be judged on its specific nature of the incident.â€
However, therein lies my confusion. I have reported on two separate occasions when I happened to attend X’s class at the Fitness First Greenhills branch when I personally witnessed him verbally sexually harassing two male clients during class.
The first one was on 29 March 2006 during the Body Jam Launch when he would say to a male client, “I want you to father my children,†or, in response to other members trying to fend him off by teasing him in turn with a kiss as a reward, “Anong pa-kiss kiss? Take home na. (What do you mean just a kiss? I’m going to take him home.)â€
The second time was on 17 May 2006 when he focused his attentions on another male client during his regular Body Jam Wednesday class, also at Fitness First Greenhills, whom he told in a breathy tone, “You can do anything to me,†or “Be gentle with me. I’m a virgin.†These were only some of the things he said. There were much more since it was a one-hour class.
I do believe these acts would easily fall under verbal sexual harassment, yet I was informed by Ms. Peewee Sanchez that X was only given a verbal warning, and relieved of his class at Fitness First Greenhills. That leaves him to do his mayhem in other Fitness First branches.
Really confused na bakit di pa nila tinatanggal yang instructor na yan…why? Think of what’s best for the company and clients…not the other way around. Bad for business yan!
Mr. Richards, the company policies are clear re sexual harrassment. You must have a different view of the issue or it’s an issue you deem not important enough to take a closer look. Let ’s check the professed company values which include Ethical Behaviour, Integrity and Honesty. Would you say that X is an example of a professional instructor who exhibits these values? I wonder how, when as a teacher he resorts to sexual innuendos as a habitual way to speak/instruct/teach paying members?
To the members of Fitness First, both male and female, you can put a stop to this. If you feel that it’s too much trouble, it is not. There are better ways to inspire and relate to people. Unless this person is in the sex trade, why tolerate a teacher in the fitness profession who uses sexually-laden tones as a way to do his job?
Hey everyone
Not sure whether this has been seetled but contact me if you want to know some inside info
ooh. I didn’t realize this was an old post. I hope I wouldn’t have to meet the guy, I’m planning on joining but am still waiting for a good promo (monthly membership discount)