An independent investigation led by crime journalist John van den Heuvel has been published, and finally, a fuller picture begins to emerge, based on facts, thorough research, and the voices that had been missing from the conversation. The findings confirm what we’ve known all along: the accusations circulating in the media are not supported by evidence.
Some of the key findings include:
• There is no evidence of slavery, exploitation, or mistreatment.
• Every single worked hour was fully paid.
• If someone worked more than 8 hours, it was by personal choice and limited to 4 additional hours.
• No one worked 17-hour days.
• No passports were ever confiscated or withheld.
• Cleaners were never bribed, pressured, or blackmailed in any way.
MORE DETAILED ANSWERS
How was the cleaning arranged?
Since 2018, Saints & Stars has also worked with an external cleaning company for the cleaning of its clubs. During a period of rapid growth, additional cleaners were engaged alongside this external provider. Our controls surrounding the employment and documentation of some of these workers were insufficient. We recognise that responsibility and have since strengthened our procedures.
What did Saints & Stars get wrong?
People performed work for Saints & Stars without the required Dutch work permits. Regardless of how this situation arose, it was our responsibility to ensure that everyone working within our organisation had the correct documentation and that our administration and controls were in order.
They were not sufficiently robust. We regret that and take responsibility for it. We have since strengthened our recruitment, onboarding and verification procedures and are continuing to improve the way these processes are monitored. For an organisation built around health, wellbeing and quality, that same standard must apply to the people who work in our clubs.
Were cleaners pressured to stay at the Appololaan residence?
The independent investigation did not substantiate allegations that cleaners were forced to live at the Apollolaan residence. The property, owned by Tom Moos, was made available without charge to cleaners who needed accommodation. We understand why questions about housing and dependency in an employment relationship need to be taken seriously. That is why we believe arrangements involving employees and accommodation should always be transparent, voluntary and carefully documented.
When did the complaints start?
The allegations that ultimately led to the public controversy emerged after the employment relationships with a number of former cleaners had ended. We previously placed considerable emphasis on the timing and background of those complaints. Our focus today is different. People must always feel able to raise concerns about their work or working conditions. Whether we agree with every allegation or not, concerns should be taken seriously and investigated properly. That is the standard we want to apply going forward.
Did Saints & Stars offer money to cleaners to change their story?
No. Saints & Stars has not offered former cleaners money in exchange for changing statements to the media. There have been legal discussions and settlement proposals between the parties and their representatives. Because these matters have been the subject of legal proceedings and professional complaints, we do not believe it is helpful to conduct that dispute through our website. Our priority is to deal with legal matters through the appropriate legal channels and to focus publicly on the lessons and improvements arising from this period.
Was Saints & Stars blackmailed?
Saints & Stars has made a report to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service concerning alleged blackmail, slander and defamation. Whether criminal offences have been committed is for the competent authorities to determine. We will not speculate publicly about individuals, their motives or their possible involvement.
Were passports ever taken or withheld?
The independent investigation did not substantiate the allegation that passports were confiscated or withheld. Documents were in some instances briefly made available for administrative purposes, including making copies. We recognise the sensitivity of handling identity documents and have strengthened our procedures to ensure that documentation and verification are handled correctly and transparently.
What’s Saints & Stars’ response to the media reports about exploitation?
Allegations of labour exploitation and modern slavery are extremely serious and therefore deserved to be investigated thoroughly. The Public Prosecution Service discontinued its investigation into alleged labour exploitation. The independent investigation also concluded that several of the most serious allegations could not be substantiated. We believe those findings matter.
But they do not mean that everything went right. It did not. There were shortcomings in the way people were engaged, documented and supervised. Saints & Stars takes responsibility for those shortcomings and has taken steps to improve its organisation and procedures. We want everyone who works at or for Saints & Stars to be treated with respect and to work in a safe, professional and properly organised environment. That is the standard against which we want to be judged.