The Philippines investigates the exploitation of cleaning workers in Amsterdam
The Philippine Department of Labor Migration has launched an investigation into allegations of exploitation of cleaning staff at four branches of the luxury gym chain Saints & Stars in Amsterdam. This came after Dutch media revealed that the cleaners, most of whom are from the Philippines and Indonesia, faced extremely harsh working and living conditions.
According to the ministry, the owner of the hall, Tom Moss, did not obtain the required accreditation from the ministry in Manila or from its European office in Berlin before hiring workers. Although this accreditation is not a legal requirement under Dutch law, it is a means used by the Philippine government to monitor the legality of its citizens' work abroad.
A report by Het Parool revealed that cleaners were forced to work up to 17 hours a day, and in some cases, share beds with strangers. Passports of at least 23 workers were taken while the company arranged their visas and work permits, and many were recruited directly from their home countries. Dutch labor inspectors confirmed they found 23 undocumented migrant workers from the Philippines and Indonesia during recent inspections.
The interim Minister of Social Affairs, Eddy van Heemskerk, condemned these circumstances, describing them as "unacceptable," emphasizing that such violations occur frequently in the Netherlands. Eleven affected cleaners were invited to the Philippine embassy in The Hague, where they received support and legal advice. Efforts are currently underway to obtain temporary work permits for those who may be victims or witnesses of human trafficking. Donors have also launched a crowdfunding campaign for the workers, raising over 30,000 euros so far.
Tom Moss denies exploiting workers, but reports have indicated that he offered each worker 3,000 euros in exchange for signing a statement confirming they were treated well, which the workers refused. Van Heum described the case as serious, emphasizing that labor inspectors are considering suing the owner. He also called for increasing the fines, pointing out that the current penalty of 11,250 euros per case is very low and does not serve as a sufficient deterrent.