Montreal sex workers plan strike during F1 weekend to demand labour and safety protections

The protest occured during the weekend of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, which had over 360,000 attendees

MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) -- Dozens of sex workers in Montreal went on strike during the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, demanding better working conditions and the decriminalisation of sex work, protesters said. Around 200 people demonstrated on Saturday in the city's downtown neighbourhood, where numerous strip clubs are located, in support of the strike. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans like, "No to whorephobia" and "This slut deserves safety." One protester, Ella, who did not give her surname, told AFP that the demonstration by sex workers was a first for Quebec. "We face a lot of stigmatization," she said. In Canada, it is legal to sell sexual services but it remains illegal to purchase them. Melina May, co‑founder of the Autonomous Sex Work Committee (CATS) and a sex worker herself, said that the demonstrators were calling for an end to the "model of partial criminalisation" to help improve their safety. She said they decided to strike over the Grand Prix because that weekend was "very profitable for the bosses." Demonstrators also called for a ban on strip clubs charging sex workers for the right to approach clients. They said these fees are often increased for events like the Grand Prix, forcing dancers to pay up to 150 Canadian dollars (US$108) to work. "We don't want to have to pay to work anymore," said Adore Golman, a 30‑year‑old CATS activist and sex worker.

MONTREAL, Canada — Dozens of sex workers in Montreal went on strike during the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, demanding better working conditions and the decriminalization of sex work, protesters said. Around 200 people demonstrated on Saturday in the city’s downtown neighborhood, where numerous strip clubs are located, in support of the strike. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans like, “No to whorephobia” and “This slut deserves safety.” One protester, Ella, who did not give her surname, told AFP that the demonstration by sex workers was a first for Quebec. “We face a lot of stigmatization,” she said. In Canada, it […]...Keep on reading: Montreal sex workers strike during Canada Grand Prix

Some Montreal sex workers are calling for better labour standards. They went on strike during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, one of the busiest times of the year for the industry.

A planned strike by Montreal strippers during Formula One weekend is exposing divisions within the city’s sex work industry. While organizers are calling for employee status, some dancers argue formal employment could increase discrimination, reduce flexibility and create new risks.