Eleven hardworking Filipino workers in the Netherlands are bravely standing up against their employer after suffering from what they say were unfair and abusive working conditions.
According to the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, the Filipinos worked as cleaners at the Saints and Stars gym in Amsterdam. Along with some of their Indonesian co-workers, they filed a joint complaint to the Netherlands Labor Authority, saying they were treated harshly and unfairly at work.
Harsh Working Conditions
From May to June 2025, these workers said they were forced to work 17 hours every single day. They were not given beds to sleep on or heating to keep them warm, even during cold weather. They had to move between different branches of the gym without proper rest.
Because of these conditions, they reached out to the Philippine Embassy in July for help. The embassy gave them temporary shelter in Amsterdam so they could be safe while their case is being investigated.
Help from Lawyers and Officials
The workers are now being assisted by pro bono Dutch lawyers—meaning the lawyers are working for free—to help them with their labor case. They are also preparing to file criminal charges against the gym’s owners and managers.
Due to privacy rules, the embassy cannot reveal the names of the workers yet, but they assured the public that all of them are safe. The Philippine Assistance-to-Nationals team is in constant contact with them.
Arrest Made in the Case
On July 24, Dutch authorities arrested the gym’s accountant for suspected forgery of documents. The Philippine Embassy also confirmed that Saints and Stars is not on the list of accredited foreign agencies approved by the Department of Migrant Workers Affairs in Manila for Filipinos seeking jobs abroad.
Ongoing Fight for Accountability
Philippine officials in the Netherlands said they will continue working closely with Dutch authorities to make sure the workers’ complaints are taken seriously, the investigation moves forward, and those responsible are held accountable.
“The Philippine Embassy is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the Netherlands and will help them no matter their status,” the embassy said.
