High-end gym chain in Amsterdam accused of exploiting workers
In the media image: EqualStock on Unsplash
Dutch newspaper ‘Het Parool’ has revealed that the Amsterdam gym chain Saints & Starts may face charges of labour exploitation. ‘If proven, it won’t be easy to get away with’, says Gerard Boot, Professor of Labour Law.
Filipino and Indonesian cleaners were hired by the gym chain under false pretences: workdays were too long, living conditions deplorable, and they were not paid properly. Not only that, they became undocumented as they had to hand over their passports which made them lose their EU residency rights. As a result, it became even harder for the victims to take the company to court.
According to Professor Boot, it is difficult to prove labour exploitation, but certainly not impossible. He believes there is a good chance this case will lead to criminal charges. ‘This would concern the worst aspects, such as the bad living conditions. If proven, it won’t be easy to get away with.’ It will have to be demonstrated how many hours were actually worked and the agreements under which the work was done. The professor says there is actually no legal provision stating that workers are always entitled to payment for overtime. However, if the hours worked prove to be very high, the court will be inclined to order payment.
Professor Boot says that we should all be alert: 'If you visit a gym or a restaurant, it's possible you're taking advantage of a situation that isn’t above board’.
More information?
Read the full article in Het Parool (€, in Dutch)