11 Pinoy gym workers in Netherlands file labor abuse case vs employer

Eleven Filipino workers of a fitness center in Netherlands have filed a case against their Dutch employer over alleged labor violations, the Philippine Embassy in The Hague said.

The Filipinos, who were employed as cleaners for the Saints and Stars gym in Amsterdam, filed a joint complaint with their Indonesian co-workers before the Netherlands Labor Authority, citing harsh working conditions.

"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," an embassy statement on Aug. 9 said.

Philippine diplomats have been in touch with the victims since July when they sought their assistance, the embassy said.

The Filipinos, who were provided temporary shelter in Amsterdam by the embassy, told Dutch and Philippine authorities that they were made to work 17 hours daily without beds and heating at the company's various gym branches from May to June 2025.

Due to privacy regulations, the names of the Filipinos cannot be disclosed at this time, the embassy said, but assured that they are in safe condition.

"The embassy asistance-to-nationals team are in constant communication with them while investigation against their former employer is being conducted," it said.

On July 24, the accountant of the gym was arrested by Dutch authorities for suspected forgery of documents, the embassy said, adding the Saints and Stars is not among the list of accredited foreign agencies of the Department of Migrant Workers Affairs in Manila for Filipinos seeking work contracts abroad.

Philippine officials in Netherlands assured it 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."

"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," it said. —KG, GMA Integrated News