Filipino workers in the Netherlands have filed a complaint against a luxury gym over alleged abusive working conditions. They say they are forced to work 17 hours a day and share beds with other people.
They also stated that they were asked for their passport and that they still have not been given the required work visas that they were promised. Investigations revealed that there were 23 undocumented workers at the gym. According to the complaints, they received scary messages from their employer, such as a threat that they would not receive any wages if anyone complained about the cleanliness for two months.
The gym's management issued a statement saying they do not tolerate abusive work and are cooperating with the investigation. The management team in charge of the cleaning operation has also been suspended.
The Embassy of the Philippines in the Netherlands has provided support to the Filipino complainants. Currently, the 11 workers are staying in a shelter in Amsterdam and are being assisted by pro bono lawyers to file a lawsuit against the gym owner and managers. According to the embassy, the workers are safe while the case continues.
