Exotic dancers in Montreal are organizing a work stoppage during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, timing their labor action to coincide with what they say is the most profitable period for strip clubs in the city.
The Sex Work Autonomous Committee has scheduled the strike for May 23, which falls on the eve of the fifth Formula One race of the season. The group is pushing for recognition as employees rather than independent contractors, along with the workplace protections that come with employee status.
The workers’ main objective is eliminating the “bar fee” that dancers must pay to perform at clubs. They are also seeking improved safety and sanitation standards in their workplaces, plus an end to discriminatory practices in hiring and shift assignments.
“As strippers, we are considered independent contractors, this means that on paper we are treated the same as, say, an independent plumber that you would hire for your home repairs,” SWAC said in a statement.
“The independent contractor plumber is responsible to no one but themself, while the independent contractor stripper is responsible to club management, at the expense of their job.”
The organization deliberately chose the Grand Prix weekend for maximum impact on club owners’ bottom line.
“The clubs are at their busiest, making it the most lucrative period of the year for our boss,” the statement continued.
“This is our chance to threaten that income and affect them when it hurts the most. During this time, despite management making more money, dancers have to put up with … generally worse working conditions.”
