Where will arbitration or mediation take place for an Aira Fitness franchise purchased in Washington?
Aira_Fitness Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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- Site of Arbitration, Mediation, and/or Litigation.
In any arbitration or mediation involving a franchise purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be either in the state of Washington, or in a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation, or as determined by the arbitrator or mediator at the time of arbitration or mediation.
In addition, if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee may bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington.
Source: Item 17 — **RENEWAL, TERMINATION,TRANSFER AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION THE FRANCHISE RELATIONSHIP (FDD pages 48–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aira Fitness's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchise is purchased in Washington, the arbitration or mediation site will be in Washington state. However, the location can be a place mutually agreed upon at the time of the arbitration or mediation. Alternatively, the arbitrator or mediator can determine the location at the time of arbitration or mediation.
This addendum ensures that franchisees in Washington are not forced to travel to a different state for dispute resolution, which could be a significant financial and logistical burden. It provides flexibility by allowing for mutual agreement on a location or arbitrator/mediator determination, but establishes Washington as the default location.
Additionally, the addendum states that if litigation is not precluded by the franchise agreement, a franchisee can bring an action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with the sale of franchises, or a violation of the Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, in Washington. This offers further protection to franchisees by allowing them to pursue legal action in their home state under certain circumstances.