SAN RAMON, CA -- Two former 24 Hour Fitness employees claim they were forced out of their jobs after they complained about discrimination in the workplace, allegations that the San Ramon, CA-based chain denies.

Former district managers Paul Drobot and Reggie Allison claim that they heard sexist, racist and homophobic language at work. They then claim they were demoted and eventually forced out for complaining to 24 Hour’s human resources department.

The two filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The commission recently upheld the complaint after a two-year investigation and is now trying to mediate a settlement between the two groups. Drobot and Allison have hired former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and City Attorney Louise Renne to represent them.

24 Hour says it hopes to resolve the issue before a lawsuit is filed.

“24 Hour Fitness firmly denies the charges made in these two cases,” 24 Hour said in a statement sent to Club Industry’s Fitness Business Pro. “We have fully participated in proceedings sponsored by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and continue to look to the EEOC to help the parties resolve these cases, without the need for litigation. 24 Hour Fitness is an equal employment opportunity employer that is deeply committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation.”

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