Is the arbitrator's award and decision conclusive and binding on all parties to the Aira Fitness franchise agreement?

According to the 2025 Aira Fitness Franchise Disclosure Document, any unappealed decision made by the arbitrator(s) will be considered final and binding for all parties involved in the dispute. This means that once a decision is reached through arbitration and no appeal is made, both Aira Fitness and the franchisee must adhere to the arbitrator's ruling. This clause aims to provide a conclusive resolution to disputes, avoiding prolonged legal battles.

However, the arbitrator's authority is limited. They cannot halt a pending termination of the Franchise Agreement, award punitive or exemplary damages, certify a class action, consolidate actions, or make any award that alters or suspends any lawful term of the agreement or any reasonable business performance standard set by Aira Fitness. These limitations ensure that the arbitrator's decisions remain within specific boundaries, preventing them from overstepping their authority or changing the fundamental terms of the franchise agreement.

Following the arbitration, a judgment can be entered upon the arbitration award by any court that has the jurisdiction to do so. This step formalizes the arbitration decision, making it legally enforceable. This process provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that both parties comply with the arbitrator's decision and that the award can be upheld in a court of law if necessary. This is a fairly standard clause in franchise agreements, designed to offer a structured and legally sound method for resolving disputes while protecting the core elements of the franchise relationship.