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Instead of getting their early morning workouts Wednesday at around 5 a.m., several members of the Atlas Fitness Center on North Broad Street in Middletown were met by a sign on the front door that read the gym “has ceased operation” and that the owners apologize for the inconvenience. This “inconvenience” has left the gym’s employees without work and wages and its members, many of whom had just signed up in the last week or month, without a refund.
The news of the closing was a shock to many members and even employees, said Michael Shaw, general manager of the gym. Shaw was not made aware of the impending closure until 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night, when Owner Andy King came into his office to break the news.
“He blindsided everyone,” Shaw said. “I don’t know how long any of this was in the works or why, but we were basically operating business as usual until the last night.”
King purchased the gym mid last year from Andrew Leitzke, a local chiropractor who owned the facility since at least 2005.
King has not returned The Transcript’s phone calls or emails to comment on the reason for the shutdown.
Tiffani Mitchell, who worked for Atlas until the end of March, said the way King handled the situation was unethical and hurtful.
“Nobody had any idea,” Mitchell stated in an email message. “It was a very family-like atmosphere between employees and members. I feel so bad. Not only are the employees out of a job and are going to go without being paid for time already worked, but members who've already paid in full for the year are the ones who are going to be hurt the worst.”
Middletown resident Matt Reed signed up for his $80 six-month membership the day before the gym shut down and said he was extremely angry for what now feels like a waste.
“I’m pissed,” he said. “We deserve a refund.”
Personal Trainer Mike Hilliard and several other employees received a text massage at almost midnight Wednesday saying not to come in to work the next day. He is still waiting for his wages for the past two weeks, which also include commissions.
“I thought it was totally unprofessional and cowardly the way he did it,” Hilliard said.
Rep. Quinn Johnson (D-Middletown) said the owners are required to pay its employees on the next scheduled business day after the gym shuts down. If the gym fails to do that, employees can file a claim with the Delaware Department of Labor by filling out an Affidavit of Statement and Assignment of Claim for Wages. Once filed, the Department of Labor would investigate and attempt to the collect the funds.
Gym members have the option of contacting the Consumer Protection Agency of the Attorney General’s Office, regarding refunds of their membership fees. To fill out a complaint form, follow the link to the Attorney General's Office web site to the right.
Instead of getting their early morning workouts Wednesday at around 5 a.m., several members of the Atlas Fitness Center on North Broad Street in Middletown were met by a sign on the front door that read the gym “has ceased operation” and that the owners apologize for the inconvenience. This “inconvenience” has left the gym’s employees without work and wages and its members, many of whom had just signed up in the last week or month, without a refund.
The news of the closing was a shock to many members and even employees, said Michael Shaw, general manager of the gym. Shaw was not made aware of the impending closure until 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night, when Owner Andy King came into his office to break the news.
“He blindsided everyone,” Shaw said. “I don’t know how long any of this was in the works or why, but we were basically operating business as usual until the last night.”
King purchased the gym mid last year from Andrew Leitzke, a local chiropractor who owned the facility since at least 2005.
King has not returned The Transcript’s phone calls or emails to comment on the reason for the shutdown.
Tiffani Mitchell, who worked for Atlas until the end of March, said the way King handled the situation was unethical and hurtful.
“Nobody had any idea,” Mitchell stated in an email message. “It was a very family-like atmosphere between employees and members. I feel so bad. Not only are the employees out of a job and are going to go without being paid for time already worked, but members who've already paid in full for the year are the ones who are going to be hurt the worst.”
Middletown resident Matt Reed signed up for his $80 six-month membership the day before the gym shut down and said he was extremely angry for what now feels like a waste.
“I’m pissed,” he said. “We deserve a refund.”
Personal Trainer Mike Hilliard and several other employees received a text massage at almost midnight Wednesday saying not to come in to work the next day. He is still waiting for his wages for the past two weeks, which also include commissions.
“I thought it was totally unprofessional and cowardly the way he did it,” Hilliard said.
Rep. Quinn Johnson (D-Middletown) said the owners are required to pay its employees on the next scheduled business day after the gym shuts down. If the gym fails to do that, employees can file a claim with the Delaware Department of Labor by filling out an Affidavit of Statement and Assignment of Claim for Wages. Once filed, the Department of Labor would investigate and attempt to the collect the funds.
Gym members have the option of contacting the Consumer Protection Agency of the Attorney General’s Office, regarding refunds of their membership fees. To fill out a complaint form, follow the link to the Attorney General's Office web site to the right.
