Latino civil rights group alleges racial, gender discrimination in suit against gym chain

Latino civil rights group: Gym chain discriminates

LOS ANGELES — A Latino civil rights group says the employees of an international gym chain suffered racial and gender discrimination at its gyms around California.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Alameda County Superior Court against 24 Hour Fitness. The group is seeking class-action status for the lawsuit.

It claims that Latino, black, Asian and female employees hit a glass ceiling when they applied for managerial positions at some of the chain’s approximately 200 California fitness clubs.

The chain has about 400 clubs in 17 states, as well as several locations in Asia.

The case seeks lost wages and unspecified punitive damages.

The company denied the allegations and says it expects to prevail in court.