Migrante Netherlands, together with the Filipino migrant workers formerly employed at Saints & Stars Gym, expressed outrage over the decision of the Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (Openbaare Ministerie or OM) stating that there was “no exploitation” in their case. The groups held a press conference today, October 30, to denounce what they described as an “injustice” and “a dangerous precedent” for migrant workers in the Netherlands.
“The decision of the OM is an insult and an attack against the rights of workers in general, and in particular, to our kababayans formerly employed by Saints & Stars Gym,” said Garry Martinez, Chairperson of Migrante Europe and a survivor of human trafficking himself.
“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 in response to Saints & Stars recent statements outlining the results of their so-called ‘independent investigation.’
The said report from Saints & Stars mentioned how the company did not receive any complaint from the workers while they were employed in the gym. This was belied by the workers who recounted how the moment they start complaining, they would be immediately dismissed and would lose their jobs.
“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.
Former employee of Saints & Stars gym, Lynette Cruz shared her frustration: “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.
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.
“They claim we were given a 450-square-meter house to stay in,” another worker explained, “but in reality, we were all cramped in a single room. We were not even allowed to open the windows or talk to other people.”
Andrew, one of the workers, recounted: “We were treated like slaves, with no respect for our 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. We couldn’t use our phones, and we weren’t allowed to rest. If they saw us resting, we’d be yelled at.”
He added: “We weren’t 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. 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.”
Aldo Gonzalez, coordinator of Migrante Netherlands 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.
Migrante Netherlands and Migrante Europe vowed to continue supporting the affected workers and to raise the issue with Dutch labor and migration authorities, as well as international human rights bodies.
“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.” ##
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