Protective Legislation for Adult Entertainers: Deciphering the Latest Advocate for Strippers' Rights in Washington State
Title: Strippers' Rights Revolution: The Nation's Latest Legal Headline
Tackling Taboo Topics with a Dash of Sass
Author: Sir Miles Mileson
Updated: Oct 1, 2024, at 10:46 AM
Read Time: 3 Minutes
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On Tuesday 26 March 2024, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee kicked off a groundbreaking chapter in the annals of labor rights, signing the 'stripper's bill of rights' into law. This legislation marks a watershed moment for the adult entertainment sector, inaugurating the most expansive worker protections the nation has ever seen in this industry.
For years, the cries of exotic dancers—often relegated to the fringes of society—have grown louder, demanding better workplaces and safeguards against the countless obstacles they face. In the wake of these calls, the Washington State-based organization, Strippers Are Workers, led the charge, advocating tirelessly for regulations that empower dancers to dance safely, positively, and lucratively.
The need for change is clear-cut, as strippers grapple with a wide array of challenges, including harassment, unequal labor practices, and systemic discrimination. The momentum behind enhanced protections for exotic dancers is a beacon of hope in the fight for their rights and well-being.
Following the passage of the bill, the state's Department of Labor and Industries will soon draft new rules and guidelines to elevate workplace safety standards. Alongside these changes, the new legislation will grant adult entertainment establishments access to liquor licenses, conditioned upon their adherence to the updated safety regulations.
The question of whether strippers should be classified as employees or independent contractors lies at the heart of this debate, with profound implications for their access to benefits like minimum wage, healthcare coverage, and protections from workplace abuse. As Washington State Senator and bill sponsor Rebecca Saldaña put it, "If they are employed at a legal establishment in Washington, they deserve the same safeguards that every worker is entitled to."
Here's a taste of the protections that the new law will introduce:
- Enhanced Security: Clubs will be required to station a security guard at each venue, with secure keypad-locked dressing rooms.
- Anti-Harassment Training: Mandatory employee training will be introduced to prevent sexual harassment, while conflict de-escalation training will be available for dancers, staff, and customers.
- Customer Protocols: Clubs will be expected to establish protocols for handling violent customers.
- Signage: Warning signs will be displayed, informing dancers that they are not obligated to surrender their tips.
As progressive as these changes may seem, it's worth noting that similar movements have arisen before. A defining moment in 2023 saw a Los Angeles strip club become the first in 20 years to successfully unionize, with another Portland bar following suit shortly after. However, ongoing management disputes continue to be a thorn in the side of the stripping community.
Madison Zack-Wu, campaign manager for Strippers Are Workers, points out that the Washington bills are a direct response to the glaring regulatory gaps affecting dancers in the 11 clubs across the state. Zack-Wu explains that most dancers in Washington currently function as independent contractors, paid low wages and hefty club fees.
Under the new legislation, club owners will be limited in their ability to charge fees. Clubs can only charge up to $150 or 30 percent of a dancer's shift earnings—whichever is less—and can't impose late fees or additional charges for unpaid balances. This means dancers can keep more of their hard-earned money, free from excessive fees.
Stories like that of dancer Eva Bhagwandin, recounting a terrifying incident at a Seattle club where she was forced to escort an unpaid patron out without her earnings, underscore the urgency of these legislative changes. In a system where dancers are financially vulnerable and fearful of speaking out, change is long overdue.
The push for increased protections for strippers transcends workplace issues—it's a quest for basic human rights. It's past time that we address wage theft, harassment, and discrimination in the adult entertainment industry, an endeavor that is much more than just about justice for strippers.
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- In light of the recent 'stripper's bill of rights' passed in Washington State, the general news landscape is abuzz with discussions surrounding politics and labor rights, focusing on adult entertainment sector reforms.
- The victory in Washington for strippers' rights has sparked a wave of political interest, with similar movements advocating for enhanced protections gaining traction in other states, such as the historic unionization of a Los Angeles strip club three years ago.
