Move to create trade union for group fitness instructors

Concerned at poor working conditions and the behaviour of employers and operators over contracts and related issues, a group of fitness industry professionals are moving to create a trade union for personal trainers and group fitness instructors.

Australasian Leisure Management understands that the group has engaged with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) towards this aim and, as recently as Friday 22nd November, met with the FWC as a result of which the group will be submitting requested minor amendments to the rule book it intends to use.

At issue are matters such as navigating casual employment contracts, inconsistent pay rates, lack of job security, late payment and underpayment of wages and invoices, failure to make superannuation on behalf of personal trainers and the absence of clear industry-wide standards for working conditions as well as the alleged actions of fitness industry employers, including major chains in sham contracting.

Led by Sydney-based trainer Aidan Sholl (pictured below), the group has developed informally via social media, including the Group Fitness Help pages on Facebook (with approximately 1400 members) and LinkedIn (with 78 followers).

Its published aim is a “goal is to ensure a fair and compliant environment for everyone”.

Group Fitness Help’s social media pages generate significant discussion and airing of grievances among contributors, many of whom post anonymously.

It has also generated reaction from employers and operators.

Late last month, Scott Freeman, Director of Brisbane-based EMF posted on LinkedIn suggesting gym owners discourage their group fitness instructors from joining what he called “some sort of union”.

Freeman added “my recommendation is to ensure that your instructors are well informed - this gent isn't.”

Sholl is also unimpressed with the achievements of the United Workers Union-backed Health and Fitness Association of Australia (HFAA) which currently represents fitness industry employees.

On social media, Sholl has said that the HFAA has “less than two hundred registrants after six years in operation”, noting that “they’ve failed to educate our workforce and are too bloated to do what we need done.”

Sholl is also critical of AUSactive, which, as the peak body for fitness professionals in Australia, has historically worked to raise standards for fitness professionals.

Legal action between Sholl and various parties is understood to be ongoing.

Aidan Sholl did not respond to questions asked about his moves to create a trade union while, following an inquiry by Australasian Leisure Management, the Fair Work Commission advised "we cannot provide information beyond what is published on our website."

Unions in the leisure industry
While the leisure industry has traditionally been a non-unionised industry, some bodies do exist to represent workers across its sectors.

In addition to the UWU’s HFAA, the MEAA (Media, Entertainment, and Arts Alliance) with its coverage of all forms of performance might be relevant for instructors who combine fitness with elements of the creative arts while the Australian Services Union (ASU) represents workers in community and social services, including those employed in local council-operated aquatic, fitness and recreation centres.

In addition, in 2016 the Australian Workers Union created the Swim Instructors Association, although this group currently appears to be inactive.

Key Challenges for Group Fitness Instructors
Casual Employment and Job Insecurity
Many instructors work on a casual or freelance basis, often juggling multiple employers. This limits access to benefits like sick leave, superannuation, or long-term job security.

Low and Variable Pay Rates
Fitness instructors are often paid per class or session, with no guaranteed minimum wage or pay standard across the industry. Pay rates can vary widely depending on the employer, region or type of class taught while payments seldom cover all aspects of the job, including planning and travel time.

Workplace Rights and Protections
Issues such as unpaid time for class preparation, lack of breaks or safety concerns in fitness facilities have been reported.

Superannuation and Benefits
Many instructors miss out on employer contributions to superannuation due to the casual nature of their contracts.

Lower image: Aidan Sholl.