Amsterdam-based fitness chain Saints and Stars has been slapped with fines totaling €300,375 after a labour inspectorate investigation uncovered widespread breaches of Dutch employment law. The Ministry of Social Affairs found the gym operator failed to keep accurate records of staff hours, misclassified employees as self-employed contractors and paid wages below the national minimum.
Key Violations Uncovered
- Inaccurate or absent time registration for trainers and support staff
- Misclassification of employees to avoid paying social contributions
- Wages paid below the statutory minimum rate
- Incomplete or incorrect payslips issued to workers
Inspectors traced many of these shortcomings back to 2015, noting that rapid expansion—from a single venue in Amsterdam to multiple branches across the region—had strained the company’s administrative systems. Despite previous warnings, the firm failed to remedy its record-keeping and payroll practices.
Company Response
A spokesperson for Saints and Stars acknowledged the problems and promised swift corrective action. “We take full responsibility and are already overhauling our payroll systems,” they said, adding that the chain would engage an external consultancy to ensure full compliance with labour regulations going forward.
Broader Enforcement Efforts
The Ministry of Social Affairs emphasised that repeat offenders face escalating penalties. Earlier this year, F-the Health Club Group agreed to pay €130,000 after inspectors discovered similar lapses in employee time-tracking and wage statements.
Labour inspectors warned that any future infractions by Saints and Stars—or other fitness operators—would be met with even stiffer fines, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights in a rapidly growing sector.