Akin Gump Defeats Class Action Claim Against 24 Hour Fitness
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(Los Angeles) – A federal judge in California has ruled in favor of Akin Gump client 24 Hour Fitness USA, saying the company’s mandatory arbitration policy barring class actions is valid.
Exercise instructors at 24 Hour Fitness had sued the company, claiming they were not paid overtime and missed meal and rest compensation, in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Citing its own policy, which mandates employment-related disputes be resolved through arbitration and bars class actions, 24 Hour Fitness filed a motion to compel arbitration. Judge Edward Davila ruled that the Supreme Court’s decision in AT&T Mobility LLC v. Concepcion held that the Federal Arbitration Act prevented states from invalidating arbitration agreements based on the availability of class action procedures.
The Akin Gump team representing 24 Hour Fitness included labor and employment partner Gregory Knopp and counsel Jeremy Bollinger.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 850 attorneys in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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