Thousands of us service providers were let go today! Our severance? Lifetime free WW membership. Big woop.
266 replies (most recent on top)
Very c-appy way to do this to us. Shame on you.
Buy the way Facebook Group - your opening image is a turnoff for me are men not inclusive in the group?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2744225169152180/
I just tried to get onto Okta to get paid for the phone call - I know it's not much, but we have already been locked out.
WW has been going downhill since Mindy come in and the name changes - Guides, Studio, Wellness that Works (by the way that would be WtW - NOT WW). The idea's and the implementation of those idea's have all been faulty. The fact that (probably) not one person who came up with ideas for the company NEVER worked the studios is obvious. I mean can we talk about the Childs book cubby hole (that was supposed to be charging stations, with no thought to electricity) the text on the walls that was placed crooked as was the logo. No thought to where the front of the door SHOULD be, other then where it actually was. The EXPENSE of all the products that didn't sell - which if they asked us we would have told them it wouldn't sell. The over bloated salaries of those at the top and the tiny salaries at the bottom. The failure of this company has nothing to do with the STORE (hopes STUDIO) workers but completely with corporate. I bet if they let Oprah behind the wheel for a day she could reset the course, she at least is a business woman, the rest are toadies and "yes" persons.
It's a shame, I only worked for the members not the money anyway, the money was so small it was not an incentive.
This was the most wasteful company you can ever imagine. The centers closed on March 15 to the public. There is thousands of dollars worth of product sitting there and going to waste and getting expired . They could have had it sent back to the factory, given it to the employees or donate it. While we were in business every meeting had to mail in paid envelopes the earnings of each meeting. Some leaders would mail in 4 envelopes a day and the check was written on our own bank. Aside from the waste of changing all the names, and reprinting everything, none of that increased membership, if anything it was more confusing. To fire thousands of people in a 5 minute statement, was heartless. We are supposed to show compassion and understanding to the members. This was cold, impersonal and cruel. Many of us worked for less than min wage. My whole territory was wiped out in a minute. On a Thursday they didnt even let us finish out the week
4 Min Zoom WW/Weight Watchers Massacure Invitation
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From: StudioPeopleTeam
Date: Wed, May 13, 2020, 10:44 PM
Subject: Attendance Required! WW Business Update Meeting
To:
Please join your Territory Manager for an important business update, tomorrow, Thursday, May 14 at 4 PM EST/3 PM CT/1 PM PST via an audio-only conference call. It’s important that you make yourself available to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, please reach out to your Territory Manager directly.
Details on how to join the conference call are below. These details are unique to you, and they should not be shared or forwarded to anyone.
From a computer or smartphone:
15 minutes prior to your call, please click on this [LINK] to log your attendance or copy and paste the link into your browser.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3e8beb1b53844123942cdddd7e3f425f
Next, dial in to your call.
Using your home or mobile phone:
Dial-in: 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 955 2003 4841
Participant Code is the same as the “Meeting ID” listed above.
Thank you, in advance, for your attendance.
Sincerely,
The WW Field Management Team
**Please do not reply to this email.
Big Deal WW - we would have been paid for that time anyway as we worked during that pay period. Don't try to act like you are doing something great for us. You axed long time employees most over 15 years many over 20 and 30 and kept brand new ones even though we are all paid the same. What kind of company does not reward seniority, dedication and devotion? Who fires your longest time employees in favor of brand new hires. You make out to be a company that cares about your employees when this could not be further from the truth. You fired thousands in a 3 minute robocall. Don't try to redeem yourself WW you and Mindy's true colors have shown and the world will see them now too.
I was a guide for 18 yrs until they’ve May 14 phone call! I started working for a WW that was a franchise and they sold out to corporate and we were grandfathered in at the pay we were receiving from the franchise which lasted for about five years and then corporate WW un-grandfathered us and we made the same money as all other WW employees which was a big cut in pay. No one is saying how we were selected which makes no sense. I was not taking benefits from them I was not costing them any extra money all receptionist/guide make the same amount in their area. My TM was also “impacted“ as they like to call it and she had over 20 years with the company. It was a slap in the face when they increased our hourly amount, but we don’t get paid on the first 16 members that walk in the door.
We want to thank you again for all of your contributions to WW and the positive impact you’ve had on your members. You’ve changed so many lives for the better through your role, and we’re so proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Key Dates and Information:
You’ll remain on WW payroll and will be automatically paid through May 29, 2020; your pay is calculated as the weekly average of your 2019 earnings inclusive of workshop pay and miscellaneous pay, as well as product sales, Monthly Pass, and attendance commissions. No action is required on your part and please do not enter any Missed Workshop Pay for this timeframe.
You won’t be working any additional workshops at this point
If you work in any additional roles, including Voice Agent, Personal Coach, Chat Coach, Location Coordinator, etc., you’re also no longer in these roles
If eligible (participating in benefits now, i.e., medical, dental, vision), WW will continue to make the employer contribution of the cost of your premiums for 2 months. You will continue to be responsible for the employee portion of such premiums. Details of how to make your premium payments will be provided shortly.
Attached to this message are the following documents. Please read them thoroughly. If any questions are left unanswered, please reach out to the listed contact:
Letter from Mindy Grossman, President & Chief Executive Officer of WW
Information about leaving WW and answers to many questions you may have
Details on the Employee Assistance Program
Next Steps:
Immediately: Enter any outstanding pay, including today’s staff meeting that you joined, into workSMART. Please complete this by Friday, May 15, 5 PM Eastern time.
If you have moved and haven’t yet updated your mailing address with us, please fill out this form.
Within 24 hours: Review the attached Returning WW Property for information and additional action needed regarding the return of any WW items in your possession.
Coming soon:
We will physically mail you instructions on how to convert your WW employee account to a permanent WW membership, which will be at no cost to you. Please be on the lookout for this document in the coming weeks.
Thank you again for all your contributions to WW and the positive impact you’ve had on your members. You’ve changed so many lives for the better through your role, and we’re so proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Sincerely,
The WW Leadership Team
Fired & Former WW/Weight Watchers Employees Facebook Private Group! Your not alone, we are here for your loss!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2744225169152180/
You can’t tell me that this laid off is from the C-19. You don’t see The Big O giving up anything. Bunch of bull sh–!
I was never an employee of Weight Watchers, but I have been on the Points, then Points Plus program for many years. I quit the meetings & online after they introduced Smart Points because it never worked for me, but I continued to follow the PP program and subscribed to the magazine and read the various free materials on Facebook and other online sources. So, I was on "the outside" when Oprah and Mindy came on board and ruined Weight Watchers. I think Oprah forced the switch from being "weight loss and maintenance" goals to "wellness" goals because she stopped losing weight after her initial 40-ish pounds and it was embarrassing for her . I always loved Weight Watchers, even when I was doing it on my own. I watched from the outside as Oprah and Mindy took Weight Watchers down the tubes and it made me so sad to watch. I just cannot believe the nerve and the arrogance of Oprah and Mindy doing their QVC shtick the day after they screwed over so many loyal employees. The fact that QVC aired their propaganda "we care" BS within 24 hours of the WW mass firing turned me off QVC as well. I have blocked OWN and all QVC channels on my TV due to this. I don't spend alot on QVC, but it will add up if more people stop shopping on it.
I wasn’t let go BUT I want to join the FB group to support my fellow friends who were. Can I still join??
Come join us and let's support each other. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2744225169152180/ Many of us are already here. No political talk, advertising or other nonsense.
I have been a part timer for 3 years, no benefits, no vacation/sick. I definitely wasn’t a drain on the company resources. I was out of the NYC corporate office. I was part of the team that launched Freestyle, then stayed on to manage it and then launch My WW. Wasn’t just coaches or people in the field.
Can’t find/join the Facebook group since it’s private. Help
I meant to say, if you want media attention, go to the New York Times. They would salivate over this story
You want me to attention? Go to the New York Times! They would salivate over this
Surprised it didn’t happen sooner since all we have is online right now. It’s not the same. I feel bad for our leader/coaches. REAL Meetings are so helpfil
Need support join OUR group Formerly WW Employees!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2744225169152180/
Perfect! Do you want me to set it up or will you? Let’s make it private and have the questions be something only WW employees would know. Should we call it fired WW employees? Just let me know.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2744225169152180/
Yes we can set up a private FB page. I'm open to the name of the Page.
Formely WW Employees
Can we find a way to set up a room or a private Facebook group or a messenger group of some sort so that we can all come together in person? I am not afraid to share who I am after being fired in a 3 minute phone call for 2 decades of service while brand new employees were kept. My only source of income and insurance for me and my kids gone in 2 weeks. Seniority means nothing. I don’t mind others on this page knowing who I am (except the guy spamming political BS). I am not tech savvy so I have no clue how to set up a group anywhere, except maybe Facebook.
Someone on this thread must have access to the news media . This needs to be brought to the public’s attention how WW treats loyal employees. Why do we have to be silenced? Please let this go to the news media and let Ww be known for the dispicable company they are!
I don’t know why WW thinks it can impose a gag order on fired employees. As far as I know only a judge can issue a gag order or one can be part of a negotiation between the parties. I believe our severance check and free lifetime membership will be tied to us agreeing to remain silent. As a lifetime member I already qualify for free membership and quite frankly I’m not giving up my rights to talk about what happened for a lousy hundred dollar severance check. I have told everyone what this company did last Thursday including the coach I worked with for the last 10 years. After initially expressing shock and concern she has not reached out to me again. I guess my hard work and loyalty will not be rewarded by her also. Members at my two meetings today were probably told the official version of why I was not in the meeting. Probably told that I decided to take a break blah blah blah. Typical of this company to lie to and mislead members. I will tell the truth if asked! Mindy Grossman’s vision is blurred and Weightwatchers is suffering because of it.
I (and I'm assuming many of you) still have access to LivePro. I love this canned response that chat coaches are supposed to give to those of us that were terminated:
"Thank you for reaching out. I don't want to misinform you in any way. Please contact your Territory Manager for guidance."
Um...they terminated my TM, so I'm not sure what info she'll be be able to give me?
Best PR stunt WW, how much money did they pay to keep this out of the nightly news. Instead Oprah is rewarded for giving a positive speech to seniors, a free seminar to promote WW membership. Funny she did not acknowledge to those seniors that her company was laying off thousands on a 4 min Zoom. I understand Big Corporate business and Billionaires it's a business. "We the people" need to be the CHANGE and put the 7 Nolan Principals in place for all our Government and Corporations. We have choices Do Not Take the Abuse, Do Not Buy their Products, Don't endorse people/brands. Covid-19 is a blessing, it's waking everyone up to the major corruption in our society, government and big corporations who only care about the bottom line... I'm using this as a motivator to Vote, get involved and make serious changes how I choose to spend my time and my money. I'm FREE and will help those former WW members learn about REAL FOOD, REAL RELATIONSHIPS and REAL WAYS TO FINALLY CONTROL THEIR WEIGHT FROM FAKE FOOD!! OUR GOVERNMENT, CORPORATE LOBIEST/WW AND FOOD INDUSTRY ENDORSES FOOD TO MAKE US SICK AND SPEND MONEY TO LOSE WEIGHT. #AmericaStrong #EATLOCAL #EATREAL #NOPOINTS
I'm 60 and worked for WW as a location coordinator and a guide for a couple of years making minimum wage. I understand the financial problems due to COVID19, but was disappointed in being terminated rather than furloughed. Coaches can check people in, but guides can't lead a meeting.
Was also disappointed in the way it was done. On a ZOOM call (dial in only), and it was a toll call! Thought that was a bit tacky.
This was a part time job so the money isn't a big deal for me. But it does sting and it will be awhile before I can attend a virtual meeting.
I have worked for WW for 6 years as a Guide not for the money but to help other people in their journey to losing weight and a healthier lifestyle. I received a phone call from the Territory Manager telling me my position was being eliminated. He then said if the workshops ever reopen and my position becomes available I could reapply and be reinterviewed for the position. He also said that I would be paid until the end of May and that I would keep my lifetime status. I feel that they let all the guides that have worked for WW before all the changes and to keep the newer Guides.
It is not the fact that they did it but the WAY they did it. Cold. Free lifetime membership? I am lifetime at goal so I don't pay anyway. Still believe in the program but have lost all faith in the company. Jean Nidetch is turning over on her grave! They need to go back to what she started the company for-weight loss and support.
I worked for WW for almost 10 yrs as a guide and LC in 5 workshops. I am 63 and am on SS disability but I was able to do my jobs 100%+! And guides I trained are still working with less than 6 months time in. After talking with other SP I have determined I was let go because I jumped up to the plate and took in more work to help WW out and earned too much money last year! I am looking into discrimination charges because of my age and being disabled
To the person who posted "Would you all have preferred them not to do this and go out of business, and EVERYONE be without a job?" what I want to say is, maybe they had to do layoffs but there is no rhyme or reason on who they chose to fire. It had nothing to do with merit or commitment to the job that I can see.
Best PR stunt WW, how much money did they pay to keep this out of the nightly news. Instead Oprah is rewarded for giving a positive speech to seniors, a free seminar to promote WW membership. Funny she did not acknowledge to those seniors that her company was laying off thousands on a 4 min Zoom. I understand Big Corporate business and Billionaires it's a business. "We the people" need to be the CHANGE and put the 7 Nolan Principals in place for all our Government and Corporations. We have choices Do Not Take the Abuse, Do Not Buy their Products, Don't endorse people/brands. Covid-19 is a blessing, it's waking everyone up to the major corruption in our society, government and big corporations who only care about the bottom line... I'm using this as a motivator to Vote, get involved and make serious changes how I choose to spend my time and my money. I'm FREE and will help those former WW members learn about REAL FOOD, REAL RELATIONSHIPS and REAL WAYS TO FINALLY CONTROL THEIR WEIGHT FROM FAKE FOOD OUR GOVERNMENT/FOOD INDUSTRY ENDORSES TO MAKE US SICK. #AmericaStrong
Was certainly done in typical WW style. I was kicked off the call twice before finally able to connect. Never was able to fill out the survey or whatever it was they wanted us to do ahead of time. Reminded me of the hours I spent at my station on the phone with “support” who didn’t even know what a LT membership was while a frustrated member stood tapping her foot beside me. Time out of my life I’ll never get back! Their tech is laughable. Good luck going all virtual with that team.
I'm so sorry to hear this from everyone! I I'm fully in agreement with the way Weight Watchers lost its way with all the new names, new branding, and stripping away of all leader Innovation turning us into robots. I felt this over a year ago and decided to go ahead and resign even though I was leading three quite successful meetings. I was making about 12,000 a year so when I quit it did take a bite out of my income. But I truly do feel that the management of Weight Watchers has done a very poor job of listening to staff and staying current with all the needs of the members and staff. I'm sorry for those who have now lost their jobs all I can say is that perhaps it's all for the best cuz I can't see anything getting better in the middle of all this.
WTH. I must say I completely agree with you!!! If this is a real person something has to be wrong with him/her!!
To the supposed 25 year male employee who understands being fired in a 3 minute mass phone call, not allowed to ask why and given no severance- did you drink the WW Cool Aid or are you just lying about your status and position? Anyone who can love a company after being treated like a bug under a shoe after working for a company for 25 years has a screw or 2 loose!
I worked for WW for 4 years as a guide and an LC. I am under 50. I believe it had nothing to do with age but mostly guides and possibly people who had full time status as guides and benefits....... this way they no longer have to pay insurance or into 401k, and that saves money. I also believe that whatever guides are left will also be let go and it will be only coaches left. I was let go in the 4 minute call and it was shocking. I gave my all to the members and the company.
For everyone making assumptions about the post where I defend WW. Please know I am a male who has been with WW for 25 years as a guide and was terminated and completely understand why they did what they did in the way that they did it. Still love the company and always will. So please continue to talk about things you know nothing about.
I've only been an employee for 15 months and was fired in the mass phone call on Thursday, so it was definitely not only older long term employees....not sure how they decided who got to keep their jobs. What a very poor way to do this - I'm not sure I can think of a worse way!