Migrant workers condemned a recent decision by Dutch prosecutors saying Filipino workers were not exploited by a luxury gym chain in The Netherlands.
Migrante Netherlands said in a press conference in Utrecht last Thursday that the Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (Openbaare Ministerie, OM) set “a dangerous precedent” for migrant workers in the Netherlands when it dismissed complaints by overseas Filipino workers (OFWS).
Eleven OFWs as well as Indonesian colleagues accused the Saints & Stars Gym chain of severe exploitation and harsh working conditions, including allegations of forced labor and human trafficking.
Horrible working conditions in a developed country
Andrew, a former gym worker, said they were treated like slaves by the company, with no respect for their rights as employees.
“We were not allowed to complain, and even small mistakes like missing a spot while cleaning a mirror would get us scolded,” Andrew revealed.
He added that the company banned them from taking breaks. “If they saw us resting, we’d be yelled at,” he said.
Andrew also said the workers we not given protective gear while cleaning with strong chemical liquids.
“We worked even as construction continued in the building. One time, I worked from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. My supervisor pushed me into an elevator and my finger got caught in the doors,” he recounted.
“When I got sick and filed for a sick day, the next day I was dismissed. Where is the justice in that? I will not stop until justice is won,” he said.
Another worker belied the company’s claim its foreign-born workers were given a 450-square-meter house to stay in, saying the workers were all cramped in a single room.
“We were not even allowed to open the windows or talk to other people,” the worker said.
A luxury lifestyle brand, Saints & Stars claims to have redefined its clients’ perception of gyms. It is also known for organizing lavish parties and athletic events for its clients.
In its defense, the company said it did not receive any complaint from the workers while in their employ.
This was however belied by the workers who said they were immediately dismissed the moment they file complaints.
No fabrication
Garry Martinez, Migrante Europe chairperson, said the dismissal of the complaints against the company is an insult and an attack against the rights of workers.
“What makes the situation even more insulting are the statements from Saints & Stars that make it seem like the workers fabricated their experiences,” added Martinez.
“From the perspective of a victim, even if they wanted to complain every day, they were forced to remain silent because they knew what was at stake: they could lose their jobs, their salaries, and even their housing,” added Martinez, himself a victim human trafficking.
Former gym employee Lynette Cruz added: “Saints & Stars can deny all they want, but they cannot erase what we went through. We did not receive proper night differential or overtime pay, and some of us were not paid at all.”
“Even if they paid us, it doesn’t mean they had the right to abuse us. They took our passports saying they would just make photocopies, but we only got them back after being fired. We had already submitted copies before being hired, so why take our passports in the first place?” asked Cruz.
Fight for justice continues
Migrante Netherlands also pointed out that Saints & Stars B.V. is not registered in the KVK public registry of companies authorized to process work visas which raises serious questions about why they needed the workers’ passports in the first place.
Migrante Netherlands coordinator Aldo Gonzalez said the workers were deceived under false promises of legal employment and proper documentation.
“The workers were made to believe they would have valid work permits, but instead they were subjected to 10–12-hour workdays with no breaks. Migrante Netherlands is working with the workers’ legal team to study all possible legal remedies, including appealing the OM’s decision,” Gonzalez said.
“This fight goes beyond one company or one case,” Martinez said. “It is about the protection and dignity of all migrant workers who keep this country running, yet are too often treated as disposable,” he added. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
