GoodLife’s Toronto trainers vote to unionize

Ballots were counted at the Ontario Labour Relations Board today but not all employees are in favour of organized labour.

GoodLife Fitness will have to adapt to a partially-unionized environment after it was revealed today that its Toronto-based personal trainers voted in favour of unionization.

“The most important thing for us is to continue to have a positive and collaborative relationship with all of our employees,” said COO Jane Riddell.  “This is new territory for us, but we are confident that we will be able to work together with our employees to create a healthy and successful future for all.”

An Application for Certification was filed earlier this year by the Workers’ United Canada Council and ballots were counted at the Ontario Labour Relations Board earlier today – while Toronto’s personal trainers supported unionization, group fitness instructors were not in favour.  

The two groups of employees were separated into different bargaining units because of the significant differences in the nature of their work – also, many group fitness instructors teach in multiple club locations across the GTA whereas personal trainers only work at one location.

“Our hope is that the new union will share our vision of prioritizing a culture of caring, integrity and open communication,” said founder and CEO David Patchell-Evans.

 “We are committed to continuing to provide a healthy and supportive work environment, as well as focusing on consistently becoming better with the feedback and input of our employees,” he added.

Vote Results:

Personal Trainers (City of Toronto):

181 – Yes
116 – No

Group Fitness Instructors (Greater Toronto Area):

147 – Yes
305 – No
 
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