As BuzzFeed News beforehand reported, Solidcore ended its working relationship with Collinson, a former coach, earlier this summer season after she started organizing instructors to demand higher security practices on the firm within the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Collinson later filed expenses with the National Labor Relations Board contending that Solidcore restrained staff from talking negatively in regards to the firm, illegally prevented coaches from organizing, and advised staff they need to give up in the event that they didn’t really feel secure at work.
In greater than two dozen interviews, two dozen present and former Solidcore staff, together with senior company leaders, stated Collinson’s firing was symptomatic of a poisonous tradition on the firm. They stated Mahlum was usually verbally abusive and at instances sexually harassed staff, together with, two former staff stated, undressing in entrance of staff at a 2016 social gathering at her dwelling. BuzzFeed News seen texts, emails, and different paperwork corroborating the workers’ accounts.
Other staff described cases of body-shaming, akin to the corporate placing a scale in entrance of worker snacks, and a number of other former firm leaders alleged that Mahlum had fired two instructors she felt weren’t skinny sufficient. Former high-level staff additionally stated the corporate has a follow of avoiding paying vendor payments and alleged Mahlum opened new studios earlier than certificates of occupancy had been issued and misclassified staff as contractors to keep away from paying taxes.
“It just felt like we’re being taken advantage of because we love the company, you know, we love the workout and the communities,” one former worker stated in an interview. “It’s like, ‘Well, we can treat them whatever way we want because we kind of know that they’ll just do it.’”
In an announcement to BuzzFeed News, Mahlum stated, “I am deeply apologetic that anyone in the company or community was uncomfortable – whether now or 4-5 years ago. I am committed to learning and growing. … I hope those who I made uncomfortable will accept my apology.”
Mahlum additionally stated within the assertion that the corporate’s studios “comply with all guidelines, regulations, and laws,” and added that Solidcore and her personal profession are each “built on inspiring and connecting people through our inclusive community, which includes a diverse staff – race, gender and body type throughout every level of the organization.”
The firm didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from BuzzFeed News on Wednesday in regards to the petition calling for Mahlum’s removing.
