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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 11 OFWs file labor abuse case vs gym employer in Netherlands

11 OFWs file labor abuse case vs gym employer in Netherlands

Published Aug 10, 2025 03:17 pm
The Philippine Embassy in The Hague confirmed that 11 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) filed labor abuse complaints against their Amsterdam-based employer for “harsh working conditions” that require them to work for 17 hours daily.

Demonstrators demand justice for 11 Filipino workers allegedly abused by their Dutch employer at the Saints & Stars fitness gym in Amsterdam. (Photo from Bayan Europe via Migrante Netherlands)
Demonstrators demand justice for 11 Filipino workers allegedly abused by their Dutch employer at the Saints & Stars fitness gym in Amsterdam. (Photo from Bayan Europe via Migrante Netherlands)
In a statement, the embassy assured its “steadfast support and assistance” to the OFWs who, together with their Indonesian co-workers, were working as cleaners for the Saints and Stars gym in Amsterdam and filed a case before the Netherlands Labour Authority.

The embassy officials met with six of the 11 Filipinos last Aug. 8, wherein they confirmed that they were forced to work 17 hours a day in various gym branches from May to June 2025, and had to sleep at the premises without a bed and heating.

Assuring that the OFWs are in “safe condition,” the embassy said that they are currently being housed in a shelter in Amsterdam while the labor case is being heard.

“They are also being assisted by pro bono Dutch lawyers in said labor case, and in the planned filing of criminal charges against the owners and managers of the gym company,” the statement read.

“The Embassy has been in communication with the Filipino cleaners since early July when the case first arose. The Embassy is also in coordination with the Migrant Workers Office in Berlin in providing necessary assistance,” it added.

The meeting between the embassy and the OFWs were also attended by representatives of the Migrante Netherlands, Pinay sa Holland, and the Defend Migrants and Refugees Campaign.

On July 24, the accountant of the Saints and Stars gym was arrested by Dutch authorities for suspected forgery of documents. The embassy also confirmed with the Migrant Workers Office in Berlin that the said gym is not accredited with them nor with the Department of Migrant Workers Affairs in Manila.

The embassy expressed their gratitude to the Filipino workers “for being vigilant in protecting their rights,” as well as to the Filipino community groups “which have stood with and provided support to their fellow Filipinos.”

“The Philippine Embassy is committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of the rights of Filipinos in the Netherlands, and extends assistance to them regardless of status, including the Il Filipino cleaners,” the statement said.

“The Embassy will continue to liaise and work with the Netherlands Labour Authority and other Dutch authorities, monitor the progress of the investigation and filed cases, ensure that the complaints are fully addressed, and accountabilities responded to,” it added.

Related Tags

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