Saints and Stars gym chain fined €300k for breaching work rules

Amsterdam's Saints and Stars gym chain has been heavily fined for failing to comply with Dutch employment laws. The chain faced a total of over €300,000 in penalties, with the largest fine amounting to €234,000. Labour inspectors discovered that the gym had hired 25 non-EU nationals without permits and had neglected to verify the identities of three staff members.

In 2021, a city newspaper had reported on the gym forcing cleaning staff from Indonesia and the Philippines to work 17-hour days and share beds with strangers. As a result, several trainers and influencers canceled their memberships at the gym, which charges €139 per month. In December, a judge granted €15,000 in compensation to five Filipino cleaners.

The latest fines also included €60,000 for not adhering to minimum wage and holiday pay regulations, as inspectors were unable to determine the hours worked and whether employees received the minimum wage. Additionally, the chain was fined €22,500 for not observing mandatory break times. Inspectors also issued two official warnings, which could result in temporary closure if Saints and Stars breaches the rules a third time within the next five years.

The company has decided not to appeal the fines, stating that it should not have occurred. Owner Tom Moos expressed regret in a press statement. The gym chain has announced it will not appeal the fines, with Moos stating, "This should not have happened." Saints and Stars has opted not to challenge the penalties, as the owner acknowledged the errors.