Migrante Netherlands welcomes the victory of former Saints and Stars Gym workers in their case against the company. On December 16, the District Court of Amsterdam issued a decision favoring the workers. The court found that the company deceived the workers by promising them work permits. The company also used fraud to recruit, control, and abuse them. The court ordered the company to pay five of them €15,000 (₱980,000) each, including transition payment, fixed damages, and holiday pay.

“This is a historic victory because Filipino migrant workers in the Netherlands rarely speak out and share their experiences of abuse and exploitation, and it is even rarer for them to win,” Migrante Netherlands campaigns officer Mark Pascual said.

“This case shows migrant victims that they can speak up, organize, and fight back against those who abuse and exploit them,” Pascual added.

The workers expressed joy over the court’s decision and hoped to succeed in their other cases as well.

“If we weren’t courageous enough to report or file a complaint about Saints & Stars… Saints & Stars would still be practicing abuse until now,” the workers’ representative Lilian said.

According to Migrante Netherlands, their fight is not yet over. Their appeal against the decision of the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service) remains pending. The court had previously ruled that no abuse or human trafficking occurred. The workers’ application for a permit to work in the country is also still pending.

The group condemned the Philippine Embassy for its lack of support for the workers. It said the embassy promised continuous assistance but only once provided financial aid. The amount was insufficient for their needs, since they face legal battles and could lose housing.

“The silence and inaction of the embassy over the workers’ uncertainty and the possibility of their deportation are unacceptable. The embassy has the obligation to protect the rights, welfare, and safety of Filipinos abroad,” the group said.

Migrante Netherlands called on the Dutch government to ensure that all workers who are victims of abuse by companies like Saints and Stars Gym are protected and not punished. The group also urged the Netherlands government to abolish policies that allow abusive employers to escape accountability. To the Dutch people, Filipinos appeal for continued support for the struggle of migrant workers until they achieve justice.