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The Netherlands is pushing for a suspension of EU-Israel trade ties

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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The Netherlands is now actively speaking out against the atrocities in Gaza, and states that additional “measures will have to follow” if Israel refuses to honour EU-Israeli agreements.

In a recent letter to the Dutch parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp outlined measures to be taken if Israel does not comply with the EU-Israel treaty on access to humanitarian aid.

One of these measures? The suspension of trade between Israel and the European Union.

The Netherlands will take the fight to the EU

According to RTL Nieuws, the Netherlands will advocate for the trade suspension if Israel doesn’t comply with international humanitarian law.

READ MORE | The Netherlands is calling for a ceasefire in Gaza — while also being the largest EU investor in Israel

In a video shot by the outlet, Veldkamp stresses that this will be a significant financial hit, involving “billions in Israeli exports”.

Veldkamp has also touched on Hamas’ involvement in the war, stressing that it “cannot have a role in the future of Gaza” and must give up its weapons and release Israeli hostages.

The EU may also suspend Israel’s access to European research funding

Last Monday, Prime Minister Schoof and various members of the Dutch parliament had an additional meeting about the situation in Gaza.

Taking to X, he writes that “the Netherlands supports the plan to suspend Israeli participation in the EU research programme Horizon.”

This plan has gathered traction in the European Commission, which has now proposed a partial suspension of Israel’s involvement in Horizon Europe.

If signed, this decision will temporarily close the door on Israel’s access to emerging technology with military implications, such as cybersecurity, drones, and artificial intelligence.

It will not, however, affect the participation of Israeli universities and researchers that are currently engaged in collaborative projects with Horizon Europe.

While the EU member states have yet to approve the proposal, one thing is crystal clear: the Netherlands is starting to draw a line.

What do you think of the Netherlands’ current stance? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!

Image: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

Wet holidays ahead, as the Netherlands braces for a rainy summer

Federica Marconi
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Wet holidays ahead, as the Netherlands braces for a rainy summer

Planning a staycation in the Netherlands this week? You might want to pack an umbrella instead of sunscreen. ☔

According to RTL Nieuws, today and tomorrow are your best bets for staying (mostly) dry. After that, it’s back to wet and unpredictable weather. 👇 

Summer vibes? Not quite

Dutch summer holidays are off to a soggy start, with the weather refusing to play nice even for staycationers.

“There won’t be any truly long dry spells this week,” Buienradar’s Martijn Dorrestein tells RTL Nieuws. “Maybe half a day somewhere.”

READ MORE | 7 natural campsites in the Netherlands to enjoy this spring and summer

The west could manage a pleasant 22 degrees Celsius and a mostly dry Wednesday, but elsewhere, it’s showers on repeat. 🌧️

And Dorrestein isn’t sugarcoating things. He says it looks like the weather will stay changeable until next Wednesday at the earliest.

So if you’re still holding out for summer, you’ll need a raincoat within reach and more than a little patience. 👀

Helaas, it’s no better abroad

Hoping to skip town for some proper sunshine? You might want to rethink that plan. 😬

Southern Europe is battling scorching heat, while the Alps are dealing with heavy downpours. So, even a quick getaway doesn’t guarantee better weather.

@dutchreview

When you wait all year for summer, for it to show up like a wet sock ☔️

♬ original sound – Lauren | Virtual Assistant 💻

Meanwhile, Dutch campsites have started adjusting their activities to fit the unpredictable conditions.

READ MORE | 11 TikToks that perfectly describe Dutch weather

There is a small upside, though. If you keep a close eye on Buienradar, you might catch a dry window for a quick bike ride or walk.

There’s hope, but just not yet

The coming days aren’t looking much brighter, either.

Friday could bring a considerable amount of rain, but Sunday is expected to be one of the wettest days this week. This trend will carry over to the following week, with next Monday being equally wet.

Still, there’s a glimmer of hope peeking through the clouds. While long-term forecasts are tricky, Dorrestein says it looks like things will finally turn warmer and drier after next Wednesday.

So don’t give up on summer just yet, because your summer wardrobe might still make a comeback. 💅

Will you be braving the rain or embracing indoor mode? Share your tips, struggles, and Dutch weather hacks below. 💬

Eat your cheese: How the Dutch became ridiculously tall

Vera Burdick
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Eat your cheese: How the Dutch became ridiculously tall

Yeah, yeah, we know, Dutch people are tall. Every joke has been made about it. But why are they even so tall to begin with?

If you’re an average height like me (okay, maybe I’m a bit on the shorter side of average), being in the Netherlands can make you feel like you’re living in a land of giants.

The pants are longer, the bicycles are taller, and asking for directions becomes a neck-crane-worthy exercise. It’s a simple truth: Dutch people are the tallest on Earth.

How did the Dutch reach these heights?

Believe it or not, it wasn’t too long ago that the Dutch were not towering over the rest of the world. In the 19th century, the average Dutchman was about as short as a hobbit (a slight exaggeration, but you catch my drift). 

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #86: Grow really, really, really tall

But then something magical happened, and the Dutch started reaching for the skies… literally!

@strongwithjem

Amsterdam is the home of Amazons and it’s incredible #amsterdam #girlssupportgirls #tallgirl

♬ Just A Girl – No Doubt

Nowadays, the average Dutchman stands at an impressive 6 feet 1 inch (185.6 cm), and women reach 5 feet 7 inches (170.7 cm). They’ve grown like weeds but in the best possible way — up.

Let’s put this Dutch growth spurt into perspective. If height were a stock market graph, the Dutch line would steadily rise while others might have a few dips and spikes.

While people from many countries have seen some growth over the years, the Dutch have been stretching upwards like tulips in Keukenhof at the end of March.

It’s all in the food (mostly)

So, what’s the secret behind this “growth spurt” that turned the Netherlands into a nation of giants? Researchers say the answer lies in their diet.

No, it’s not all stroopwafels and hagelslag (although those are pretty amazing too). The Dutch take their dairy seriously. 

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #5: Eat cheese every day for lunch 

From Gouda to Edam, from Maasdam to Limburger, they’ve got a taste for cheesy, calcium-rich treats that put Popeye’s spinach to shame.

The Dutch diet, loaded with dairy, meat, and veggies, has played a major role in their impressive growth.

Just imagine: generations of Dutch mothers insisting that their kids “drink their milk” and end up with a nation of basketball players!

photograph-of-a-tall-dutch-woman-eating-a-cheese-sandwich
It’s no secret that the Dutch love cheese more than country music loves trucks, guns, and Jesus! Image: Freepik

It turns out that this trend of height and diet is not limited to the Netherlands alone.

Take a look at Korea, for instance. Before the Korean War, North Koreans were taller than their southern counterparts.

But then the war happened, and things went south — literally and figuratively. Thanks to their nutritious diets, South Koreans now stand tall among other Asians, while North Koreans are left far behind.

READ MORE | 7 Dutch foods you need to try before you die

And if you think that’s fascinating, let’s travel across the ocean to Hawaii. Children of Japanese immigrants living in Hawaii have shown a significant increase in height compared to their counterparts back in Japan.

It just goes to show that a little cheese and haring (herring) can make all the difference! 🧀🐟

Let’s talk about sex, baby

But wait, there’s more! Sexual selection also plays a part in this Dutch phenomenon. Studies suggest that taller Dutchmen have an evolutionary advantage by having more children.

It’s survival of the tallest, baby!

And the perks of being tall aren’t limited to having more kids; it’s also associated with better health and higher income.

photograph-of-a-tall-dutch-man-lunging-to-take-a-bite-out-of-his-girlfriends-cheese-sandwich
Distance makes the heart grow fonder? Nee hoor, a kaasbroodje a day makes the heart grow fonder! Image: Freepik

Not to mention, they get the best view at concerts while the shorter folks have to suffer behind.

Besides, tall Dutchmen have an advantage when it comes to attracting mates. Who wouldn’t want to date a tall, blond, handsome beau who can reach the top shelf without a step ladder?

So there you have it! From a hobbit-sized past to skyscraper heights, the Dutch have climbed up (literally!) thanks to their diet and some selective matchmaking.

And who knows, maybe someday they’ll take over the world with their height advantage, and we’ll all be lining up for “Dutch-lengthening” surgeries.

Until then, let’s continue to admire them from below and enjoy some good old broodje. Say ‘cheese,’ everyone!

Did you know that Dutch people are tall because of their diets? Tell us in the comments!

Dutch cabinet imposes entry ban on Israeli ministers, increases aid to Gaza

Emanuela Occhipinti
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0
Dutch cabinet imposes entry ban on Israeli ministers, increases aid to Gaza

Tensions are rising between the Netherlands and Israel. Israeli far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir are no longer welcome in the Netherlands.

In fact, they’ve been officially labelled unwanted foreigners. Their support for illegal settlements and inflammatory rhetoric against Palestinians has led the cabinet to issue an entry ban against the ministers.

According to the NOS, the cabinet has also summoned the Israeli ambassador. Schoof will press Israel to change course and respect international humanitarian law.

In a letter to the House of Representatives Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp has called the situation in Gaza “unbearable and indefensible.” 

Arms exports frozen, aid flows in

Dutch arms exports to Israel are now heavily restricted.

The NOS reports that since October 7, 2023, the Netherlands has rejected 11 export permits for military and dual-use goods, with only two exceptions via Germany, for parts of the Israeli Iron Dome air defence system.

Minister Veldkamp writes in his letter that it’s “almost impossible” that any new permits for use in Gaza or the West Bank will be approved.

READ MORE | Here’s how you can help Gaza from the Netherlands

The minister also writes that the Netherlands is boosting aid to Gaza, contributing €1.5 million to the UN and €3 million to the Red Cross, with a focus on land-based supply routes.

Pause trade with Israel

Prime Minister Schoof, his deputies, and ministers Ruben Brekelmans of defence and Veldkamp of foreign affairs gathered to sharpen their response and make it clear: this isn’t business as usual.

It’s not just national policy getting a hard look — the Netherlands is also eyeing EU-level action.

Specifically, unless the European Commission finds that Israel is in full compliance with its humanitarian obligations, the Netherlands wants to hit pause on trade established by the EU-Israel association agreement.

Israel’s response? Not impressed

Israeli President Isaac Herzog didn’t take the news lightly.

After the Prime Minister spoke on the phone with Herzog, he then called the Dutch moves an “enormous mistake” and pushed back hard against PM Schoof’s version of their phone call.

Today I had an additional meeting with the deputy prime ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence about the catastrophic situation in Gaza.

The government’s goal is crystal clear: the people of Gaza must be given immediate, unfettered, safe access to…

— Dick Schoof (@MinPres) July 28, 2025

Especially the fact that Dutch concerns about hostages held by Hamas were, according to Herzog, not properly acknowledged.

Sorry Prime Minister, with all due respect- this tweet does not reflect the spirit and details of the call. Nor does it reflect my crystal clear position that it will be a HUGE mistake if EU takes such steps especially in light of Israel’s ongoing and upgraded humanitarian…

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 28, 2025

The cabinet, it seems, has decided it’s time to move from diplomatic murmurs to firmer action. 

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Dutch rental agencies are asking househunters for even more private financial information

Federica Marconi
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0
Dutch rental agencies are asking househunters for even more private financial information

Want to rent a home in the Netherlands? Be ready to hand over your payslip, bank details, and maybe even your firstborn. 👀

According to NOS, it’s getting harder (and weirder) to secure a rental. Some real estate agents now want your sensitive financial information BEFORE you even set foot inside.

House-hunting or financial background check?

A payslip alone won’t cut it anymore. Some agencies want access to your bank account information just to schedule a viewing. Yup, that’s a bank link request before the bezichtiging. 😬

The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) reports that the number of complaints regarding these agencies keeps climbing — 50 already this year and counting.

”If you have to request a lot of privacy-sensitive information from someone, there has to be a good reason,” AP vice-chair Monique Verdier tells the NOS.

But surprise: many agents either don’t have a clear reason for requesting this information, or simply won’t give one.

The Woonbond (National Tenants’ Association), isn’t having it either. Senior advocate Marcel Trip tells the NOS that the only legitimate time to share income data is after a home is offered.

”But in practice, we see real estate agents requesting data well in advance, such as detailed income information,” he tells NOS.

Fruad fears or data drama?

Agents say it’s all about stopping fraud. Britt Orchard from Verra Makelaars in Rotterdam tells NOS that some people fake payslips and bank statements.

Her agency uses a data-sharing app to verify this information — but only after a viewing and if someone’s interested. Not before.

READ MORE  | Renting in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

Orchard explains that the app only flags suspicious activity, not payment history. But she also admitted she’s not entirely sure which bank details are visible.

In fact, an increasing number of agencies in the Netherlands ask househunters to link their bank accounts to data-sharing apps.

While fraud checks might seem fair, the AP says agents can only ask for financial info to assess if you can pay rent — not just to get a viewing. Doing it earlier? That’s crossing the line. 🧐

Privacy is out, pressure is in

But what if you say no to linking your bank account to an agency? Well, your chances of successfully renting go down.

“Those who are able and willing to provide all the required documents have the best chance of securing the property,” explains Orchad. Translation: play the game or get left out. 🫠

According to Trip, renters feel stuck. They’re unsure who’s accessing their data but feel pressured to share it anyway. And with so few homes on the market, most just go along with it.

What do you think — legit screening or a total privacy overreach? Would you link your bank just to view a flat? Let us know below! 💬

Dutch Quirk #109: Not dress formally when going out to a party

Lea Shamaa 🇺🇸🇱🇧
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Dutch Quirk #109: Not dress formally when going out to a party

Birthdays, dinner parties, and even graduations. The Dutch prioritise comfort over vanity when it comes to partying, yet they always manage to look good. 🤔

It’s easy to show up to a Dutch party and feel severely overdressed compared to the other laid-back lowlanders in simple trousers and a T-shirt.

What is it?

Whether it’s a festival or a house party, the Dutch are always dressed in exceptionally casual outfits. A pair of shorts and a sweater usually do the trick.

If you’re ever invited to a Dutch party, forget shiny leather shoes and a little black dress; just come with your favourite tee and some comfortable pants, and you’ll blend right in. ✨

Why do they do it?

The classic Dutch way of travelling anywhere (including parties) almost always includes a bicycle. 🚲

The result? The Dutch have adapted their fashion style to their appraised cycling culture by wearing functional clothes for almost every occasion.

Photo-of-people-singing-karaoke-at-party
As long as you’re comfortable, you’re wearing the right outfit. Image: Freepik

On another note, the weather in the Netherlands can never be trusted. While you can always check out the weather app, no one really knows the Dutch sky’s next move. 🌧

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #117: Constantly check Buienradar

The combination of cycling and rain is definitely a struggle, and you can make that struggle a little easier by wearing practical clothes.

A festive outing won’t stop the Dutch from dressing functionally and enjoying the night without constantly tugging on their dress or slipping over the wet floor with 15-centimetre heels. 👠

Why is it quirky?

In Mediterranean countries, like Italy or Monaco, a party calls for people to wear their most flashy and extravagant outfits.

Other northern European countries such as the United Kingdom and Ireland also share a lavish standard of guests dressing up for each occasion.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #56: Have a liberal attitude towards party drugs

While the Dutch can always go for a fancy look, most of the time, their party dress codes involve nothing more than what suits their comfort, and you know what? We respect that.

Should you join in? 

Absolutely! There’s no harm in loosening up your clothing attire to enjoy a function comfortably with your fellow Dutch partygoers.

However, context matters — meaning it’s probably best not to show up at a party gala in denim shorts and flip-flops. 🩴

Do you prefer a casual or formal dress code when going to a party? Tell us in the comments below!

Have you seen these cool futuristic bulb houses in Den Bosch?

Emma Brown
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Have you seen these cool futuristic bulb houses in Den Bosch?

For the residents of the north of Den Bosch, these cool futuristic bulb houses have been a part of the landscape since the 1980s (yes, they really have been there for that long).

The bolwoningen (bulb houses) were completed in 1984, along with the kubuswoningen (cube houses) located in the heart of Rotterdam. It was a year for experimental homes, and Rotterdam’s cube houses stole all the fame.

While there wasn’t much spotlight (😉) left for the bulb houses, they still managed to attract considerable attention over the past years.

To this day, people from abroad and from the Netherlands keep coming to see these futuristic houses for themselves.

What is their purpose?

These ‘bulb’ houses were designed by the Dutch architect Dries Kreijkamp, who had a passion for designing out-of-the-ordinary homes. He became fixated on houses shaped like spheres as he felt that this was the way forward.

photo-of-the-bolwoningen-in-den-bosch
Would you live here? Image: Erik Wannee/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0

He compared the 50 bolwoningen to clay huts and igloos, arguing that our world is also a sphere, so this shape is the perfect way to create a sustainable home. 🍙

READ MORE |24 best and free things to do in Rotterdam in 2026

He aimed to make something that helped people be more in touch with nature, which is why the bulb houses are surrounded by grass and canals, and the windows are rounded, offering a 360-degree view.

The project wasn’t an easy one, though. Initially, the houses were not provided with any funding.

Once they were eventually built, there were also issues with the houses sinking and cracking, and they were threatened with demolition until these problems were fixed.

READ MORE | 16 hidden places in Rotterdam you have to visit

Kerijkamp thought his bulb houses would be the next big thing and was prepared to mass-produce them. But unfortunately, he passed away in 2014, and the bulb houses in Den Bosch are the only ones that stand today.

Where are the rooms?

I wondered where all the different rooms were myself, especially because when I visited the cube houses in Rotterdam, the whole shape just completely messed with my brain.

Apparently, the living room is at the very top of the bulb house, with the shower and toilet in the middle and storage areas and the bedrooms at the bottom.

This place is obviously only suitable for one person or a couple who doesn’t mind living in a tight space. Surprisingly, though, the inside is not as small as you would initially think.

photo-of-bulb-houses-den-bosch
The bulb houses are located near a residential area in Den Bosch. Image: Velopilger/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0

How can I see them?

If you’d like to see these architectural marvels for yourself, you can find the bulb houses in the Maaspoort neighbourhood of Den Bosch.

READ MORE | Provinces in the Netherlands: the easy guide

The area where they stand is surrounded by typical Dutch housing, but that just makes it easier to spot these unique buildings — they certainly stand out!

Have you visited these bulb houses in Den Bosch? What did you think? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Grotevriendelijkereus/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0

Dutch Quirk #115: Sit on terraces year-round

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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0
Dutch Quirk #115: Sit on terraces year-round

Rain or shine, Dutchies are always up and ready for terrasje pakken (grabbing a terrace). What’s the deal with that? Allow us to unpack. 🔍

Many major cities around the world take pride in their terrace culture, even before the global pandemic that forced people outside over health concerns.

But we’re not here to talk about the world, pfft, not while the Dutch put their spin on something so ordinary. The Dutch really like their terraces.

What is it?

Starting with the basic definition, a terrace is the outdoor space of a catering facility where visitors can enjoy their food and drink in the open air — if the weather is good.

Terraces can be part of bars, restaurants, or coffeeshops — and they can be located anywhere from sidewalks and canal sides, to squares and rooftops.

picture-of-a-terrace-by-the-canal-water-in-Utrecht
If a terrace by the water is your thing, then Utrecht is your destination! Image: Depositphotos

As for the “if the weather is good” condition of the definition, residents of the lowlands don’t care about that point. Hence, any terrace in the Netherlands is a prime year-round location for a drink. 🍻

Why do they do it?

Who even has time to wait for the weather to turn nice? Not the Dutch with their limited number of sunny days and excess of rainy ones. 👀

READ MORE | The Dutch mindset: 5 secrets to the Dutchies’ happiness

They live by the “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” rule, and life just threw them generally crappy weather. How did they react?

They toughened up, got used to it, and collectively decided to hang out on a terrace for those 4 PM drinks, no. matter. what. ☔

Why is it quirky?

Sure, it’s quirky, but it’s also hella impressive. Dutch levels of persistence are off the charts if you ask us.

No matter if the temperatures start climbing down towards zero, Dutch people will sit outside — even if it means having to de-frost their stiff fingers after clinging to their must-have beer glasses for too long.

Not only do they sit outside in the wind and rain — Dutchies also hang out on terraces only a foot or so away from the surface of canal waters, knowing they could end up soaking wet after a few too many biertjes. 🌬️

They have no problem wearing full winter attire (scarves, hats, and all) for the entire outing so that they can get their precious terrace time in.

Some even create a makeshift terrace of their own to enjoy all year round. To that, we tip our hats to say bravo and kudos. 🎩

Should you join in?

If you can handle the weather outside, absolutely join the Dutch on their terrace night (or, let’s face it, day) out!

On warm days, hanging out on a terrace is the Dutch experience, where you get to enjoy the weather and bike-full scenery.

READ MORE | How to survive the Dutch winter: weather, clothing, and more

A hot tip for unconditioned internationals is to ease into it. Spend a couple of hours on a terrace with an indoor backup, and you’ll soon be fit to join in on this uncomfortable, but culturally and socially important, Dutch quirk.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Amsterdam’s blossoming bikes keep popping up and we’re OBSESSED

Emily Burger
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7
Amsterdam’s blossoming bikes keep popping up and we’re OBSESSED

Brightly coloured bikes decorated in flowers, butterflies and clocks have been popping up all over Amsterdam for years. Have you seen any of these beautiful fietsen around?

The bikes are not the work of a mythical Dutch bike fairy, but an American man in his 50s named Warren Gregory.

Known fondly as the Flower Bike Man, Warren’s bike-decorating began when his wife couldn’t find her bike at Amsterdam Central.

A guiding light home

Warren’s wife, Michelle, has had epilepsy for years and often struggles to remember details like where she parked her bike — although, let’s face it, finding your bike in Dutch bike sheds is a nightmare for anybody!

To help her out, Warren decorated Michelle’s bike in bright flowers so that it would be unmissable. He then decorated several abandoned bikes, which he left along the route home so that she would never get lost again. How sweet is that?

The snowball effect

Seeing the joy that his bikes were bringing to passersby, Warren started decorating more bikes and scattering them throughout the city of Amsterdam.

He makes them in his Amsterdam houseboat and then ventures out into the streets early in the morning to leave his gifts to the world before the city wakes up.

“I say smiles are contagious. They also are addictive,” Warren says.

Theft and vandalism

Warren creates the bikes using his own money and old, abandoned bikes that he collects.

Bringing these forgotten wrecks back to life is beautiful in so many ways — but unfortunately, many of Warren’s pieces have been stolen or vandalised. 

Some of his neighbours constantly pull off the flowers and throw them into the canals. A few of his bikes have even been set on fire, causing his wife to fear that their houseboat is next. 

READ MORE | 5 things to do when your bike has been stolen in the Netherlands

He’s not sure why people would want to damage his bikes, but in response to some of the vandalism, he said on Instagram, “if you destroy my things, I come back harder, I already added new flowers.”

Yeah, Warren — flower ‘em up! 🌼

Love and recognition

In a country that loves bikes so much, it’s no wonder that Warren has become somewhat of a national treasure in Amsterdam.

People love Warren’s bicycles, and many insist on paying for his creations. He customises bikes for individuals and has even worked with a perfume company in Amsterdam.

So, if you’re thinking of getting a new bike, why not have it be-dazzled by the Flower Bike Man?

But money was never Warren’s main motivation. In a conversation with Amsterdam Street Art, he explains, “For me, seeing the bike I created is enough.”

Although he has come to be seen as an artist, known of course, as the Flower Bike Man, Warren always refers back to the reason he started decorating bikes in the first place — his wife. 

READ MORE | Why biking is king in the Netherlands

I have to say, other than being a creative artist, Warren is also a nice guy. His Instagram posts are flooded with encouragement and words of love, and you can feel the time and love that he pours into every bike that he creates. We truly need more people like the Flower Bike Man.

What do you think of these beautiful bikes? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

Stolen passports, 78-hour work weeks: How this luxury Amsterdam gym exploited its cleaning staff

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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0
Stolen passports, 78-hour work weeks: How this luxury Amsterdam gym exploited its cleaning staff

One of Amsterdam’s most luxurious gyms, Saints & Stars, has found itself under fire after an investigation by Het Parool revealed the horrific conditions the gym’s cleaners must work under.

At least 23 members of the cleaning staff, consisting of Filipino and Indonesian workers, were forced to share beds with complete strangers and work for up to 78 hours per week.

Some also had their passports taken.

The extent of the exploitation

Het Parool spoke with 11 of the cleaners involved, and the picture they painted was not at all pretty.

The cleaners explained that they were offered accommodation while they waited for their work permits, but were surprised to find several people crammed into one room, some sharing beds with each other.

One cleaner tells Het Parool that she slept on the floor of a walk-in closet. She was also told she would work 40 hours per week and would be paid €2500 per month.

In reality, the cleaners were expected to work far more than this, with one telling Het Parool that in one week, he worked one six-hour day, two eleven-hour days, three twelve-hour days in a row, and one fourteen-hour day.

Passports taken

One cleaner, Linae (not her real name), tells the paper of how she was put in contact with the housekeeping manager, Nicoleta Gavriluță.

Gavriluță told her that she would arrange for a work visa for Linae after a three-day trial period. She was told that it would take three weeks to arrange and that “our boss Tom” would pay for everything.

In reality, it would never have been possible to receive a work visa this way, as cleaning work is not eligible for this type of visa.

According to Het Parool, several cleaners handed over their passports to Gavriluță, who kept them, saying that she needed them to complete the paperwork.

Cleaning management team fired

In a video by gym-owner Tom Moos, it’s been revealed that the team responsible for managing cleaning at the luxury gym has now been fired.

Moos also announced that the Dutch Labour Inspectorate is looking into the matter. In an official statement, the company writes:

“Our mission has always been to create an environment where people feel safe, respected, and empowered, not only for our members, but also for our trainers, staff, and every individual who contributes to our community.”

What do you think of these findings? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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