The Hague, Netherlands – Filipino migrant organizations, rights activists, and solidarity networks held a protest today, November 14, in front of the Openbaar Ministerie (OM) to denounce its recent decision that “no labor exploitation” occurred in the case of the eleven Filipino workers employed at luxury gym chain Saints & Stars.
“We refuse to accept the OM’s findings. We demand the OM revisit this case, acknowledge the clear indicators of coercion and exploitation, and take action. Anything less is a green light for modern-day slavery and human trafficking to continue unchecked,” said Migrante Netherlands.
Members of Migrante Netherlands, Pinay sa Holland – GABRIELA, Balik/Bayan, Maya Solidarity, Filipino diaspora groups, and local allies demanded accountability and a full review of what they describe as a “deeply flawed OM decision.”
Organizers emphasized that workers were deceived with promises of legal jobs, had their passports taken, worked long hours, and lived in cramped, controlled conditions. “To say there was no exploitation simply because the workers ‘knew the job was illegal’ is a dangerous distortion of reality,” said Pinay sa Holland GABRIELA. “Without documents or freedom of movement, they were trapped.”
Participants also criticized the Philippine Embassy for offering no support. “The embassy’s silence is unacceptable. Their mandate is to protect Filipinos, yet they abandon victims when they need help most. The Embassy should have challenged the ruling both diplomatically and legally,” said Migrante Netherlands.
Groups warned that the OM ruling sets a harmful precedent. “Exploitation isn’t always visible. Control, fear, and withheld passports are forms of coercion,” adds Balik/Bayan.
Solidarity networks affirmed continued support for the workers. “The Netherlands depends on migrant labour yet allows companies to exploit migrants’ insecure status. We must resist the attempt to divide us, and stand together against exploitation and against oppression.” said Maya Solidarity.
Despite the OM’s ruling, organizations pledged to continue the struggle for justice. The groups vowed to appeal the decision of the OM and continue to fight for the recognition of the 11 Filipino workers as victims of labor exploitation.
