In July 2025, Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool published an investigation into Saints & Stars, a luxury fitness brand in Amsterdam. The investigation documented concerns about the treatment of cleaners at the facility, leading to a Labour Inspectorate investigation.
The Investigation
The Dutch Labour Inspectorate found 23 undocumented workers at the Saints & Stars facility. The workers were reportedly from the Philippines and Indonesia. The company's bookkeeper was arrested on suspicion of forgery related to employment documents.
Workers interviewed by Het Parool described concerns about working hours and conditions. One worker reported being required to clean a sauna while it was operating at high temperatures.
Legal Proceedings
In October 2025, Dutch prosecutors dismissed exploitation charges against Saints & Stars. The company remained under investigation for smuggling and forgery charges related to the employment documents.
The dismissal of exploitation charges was criticized by workers' rights organizations. A GoFundMe campaign raised over €40,000 for the affected workers, providing support while legal proceedings continued.
Context
The Saints & Stars case highlights issues in the cleaning sector, where temporary and subcontracted labor is common. Cleaning workers are often employed through agencies or subcontractors, creating distance between the company benefiting from the work and the workers performing it.
The case also illustrates the challenges of enforcing labor laws when workers lack documentation. Undocumented workers may be reluctant to report concerns due to fear of deportation, creating conditions where exploitation can occur with limited risk of detection.
