Performers at a Los Angeles strip club took their first steps toward unionization Wednesday, becoming the latest US workers to seek collective bargaining power.
Dancers at the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar submitted a petition with the federal government, beginning a process that could see them represented by performers union Actors’ Equity, in what officials described as a first.
“We like what we do,” said Velveeta, a Star Garden dancer. “We would like our jobs even more if we had basic worker protections.”
Equity already represents over 51,000 performers and stage managers across the United States, many of them in and around Los Angeles.
“Strippers are live entertainers, and while some aspects of their job are unique, they have much in common with other Equity members who dance for a living,” said Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle.
“These dancers reported consistent compensation issues — including significant wage theft — along with health and safety risks and violations.
“They want health insurance and other benefits, like workers’ compensation. They need protection from sexual harassment, discrimination and unjust terminations.”
www.breitbart.com/news/strippers-bid-to-unionize-in-los-angeles/
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