Migrante Netherlands strongly condemns the deceit, abuse, and systematic exploitation committed by Saints and Stars Gym against at least 11 Filipino migrant workers in the Netherlands.
Instead of demonstrating accountability, the company’s owner, Tom Moos, is now attempting to distort the truth through a video in which he claims they were not given a chance to respond to the allegations made in the article published in Het Parool and in the report by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate (Arbeidsinspectie). However, Het Parool clearly stated that Moos was repeatedly asked for an interview by the journalist but refused. His claim of “not being given the opportunity” is a clear attempt to distract the public from the serious accusations leveled against them.
We firmly reject his statement that “the cleaners are at the heart of what we do.” If that were true, why were these workers hired without clear contracts, without official payslips, and with all communication done solely through WhatsApp? Why were they forced to work up to 16 hours a day, 6–7 days a week, under grueling conditions that included cleaning the owner’s private home? Why were they yelled at and instantly dismissed whenever they attempted to raise concerns?
Tom Moos’ admission that “perhaps mistakes were made” is a desperate attempt to conceal their true intention—to exploit and extract labor from Filipino migrants through informal, insecure, and unaccountable employment arrangements. The absence of contracts, incomplete wage payments, and overcrowded housing—where four to five workers shared a small room—are clear signs of intentional exploitation.
This is not simply a case of “mistakes” but a planned model of exploitation. Their intention to exploit becomes even clearer when we consider that Saints and Stars specifically targeted Filipino workers—a sector they knew to be poorly protected, lacking support from the Philippine government, and desperate for employment.
It is not enough for Saints and Stars to say they intend to conduct their own internal investigation. What we demand is a genuine, independent, thorough, and comprehensive investigation by the Dutch government into the entire operations of Saints and Stars. This may not be limited to just one branch—it could be a regular practice across other branches of their gym chain. There may be even more workers (Filipino or of otherwise) who have fallen victim to this exploitative system.
Tom Moos also mentioned in the video that they plan to establish a foundation to fight labor exploitation in the Netherlands. This is clearly a ploy to whitewash their name. Instead, Saints and Stars Gym must rectify their wrongdoings. They must fulfill their commitments: ensure work permits for the workers, pay the wages and benefits owed, and assist the workers in rebuilding their lives.
The case of Saints and Stars Gym bears clear elements of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Through deception in recruitment, absence of formal contracts, and off-the-books employment, they placed the workers’ lives and livelihoods in jeopardy.
This situation cannot be separated from the broader crisis of mass migration. It is a direct result of the Philippine government’s long-standing labor export policy. With no land, jobs, or future in the country, millions of Filipinos are forced to leave in search of a decent livelihood abroad. But this only increases their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.
We stand with the migrant workers who were abused and victimized by Saints and Stars Gym. Tom Moos and the entire management of Saints and Stars must be held accountable for their systematic abuse of our Kababayans. We call on the Dutch government to prosecute Saints and Stars Gym and provide proper support to the affected workers. We also call on the Philippine government to conduct a full investigation to ensure that what happened to these 11 Filipino workers never happens again.
Justice for the Filipino workers abused by Saints and Stars Gym!
End modern-day slavery!
Fight for the rights and dignity of migrant workers!
Jobs in the Philippines, not abroad!
