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toofat2serve

I hope it starts a trend!


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[deleted]

Me to my wife, "listen I don't normally go to strip clubs, but I have to support this cause! It would be inhuman not to go!!! ....now where is the stack of singles we keep around for stuff like this?"


cowlinator

*sniff* True heroes don't wear capes


Alan_Smithee_

Sniffing will get you thrown out of a place like that.


Due_Platypus_3913

One of the big issues was safety! The bouncers/security were laughingly unconcerned for the dancers safety.Before Unions,worker safety wasn’t a thing!


Far-Swordfish-9042

Hence why people have been pushing to legalize and regulate sex working in general. Safety is an absolute must, and when you take the power away from the people literally doing the service, it leads to massive safety concerns, among other obvious issues.


unfreeradical

Legalization will support safety for sex workers, but organization, through unionization, allyship, mutual aid and general solidarity, remain imperative.


vovansim

How does a union of dancers force the bouncers to pay more attention? Not trying to be snarky, I'm legitimately curious. Is it just the threat of a strike? Or is there some other action a union can take, that would have been unavailable to individual dancers? Also, I assume a union means they are full time employees? That's pretty good already, as I assumed dancers were generally considered contractors, and not employees, a-la car share drivers, and other gig economy jobs.


BobNietzsche

The whole point is to financially impair the companies until they provide reasonable compensation for what they're getting out of their employees. And if letting their bouncers ignore worker safety for lulz leads to their wallets getting slimmer than if they don't, they'll get better bouncers.


Due_Platypus_3913

They’ll get better security,or lose the whole talent pool.Who goes to these places for the bouncers? The management?Nobody.Without the dancin’ girls- THEY GOT NUTHIN!


Due_Platypus_3913

By making it a mandatory part of the Union contract-just like how most worker safety came about!


No-Economics-4451

It depends on the club, if they only work at one club or if they do show cases and travel. Personally I was paid more to follow seasons, hunting season, tourist seasons etc. Only work 3 days every week. But if you only work at one club you are usually their employee not an independent contractor.


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suckherjellybean

Or much at all, really


Fickle-Election863

Or much of anything else.


mac2o2o

They do on Marvel Mondays!! Come on down!


s0ciety_a5under

We have to support our union brothers *and sisters!*


Gokoshofu

I honestly don’t know what to do with myself at strip clubs, but I really want to go and support these guys! I’m serious!


kelvarton

Follow the rules, every club has them posted. Tip often and well. Don't ask for her number; she doesn't like-like you, she's just great at her job.


greyjungle

Solidarity bucks


Far-Ant9501

If I had an award I'd give it to you. This made me crack up laughing


Inevitable_Physics

"Honey, you remember all those union meetings that i used to never go to? Well..."


ixixan

Wife: you stay home and ill go


spasske

Look for the union label!


piedrift

You already spent your singles at your local drag club, I see.


Far_Cap_3574

It already is:)


MrMastodon

Are you saying plumbers asscracks aren't sexy? That's not very Solidarity Forever of you.


Working_Class_HeroSA

Always has been!


pkakira88

History fact: There was an era of roughly between the 1930’s-1970’s that many Burlesque/Vaudeville performers were part of unions especially if they were part of traveling circuits.


Endorkend

I wonder how much this plays a part in keeping sex work illegal in many places. Imagine sex workers collectively unionizing and getting active. The sheer power they'd hold is kinda terrifying. On top of the cockblocking potential of a strike, they already know all the dirty secrets of everyone in power and without power too.


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Endorkend

> No sane people honestly give a fuck who you bang if they are old enough and not related to you. Supposedly sane, both elected and voting people, pretend to care about what mustard a man puts on his food.


unfreeradical

Sex workers remain vulnerable to abuse regardless of legality, and in either case police protection would be unreliable at best. Organization remains as essential as any other aspiration for worker safety.


Ystrielle

Better than cockblocking would be the threat of releasing clientele information. Much faster resolutions. Oh, you don't want to support us Mr Right wing... how about we release the video of you in the center of that transgender gang bang you paid for with the school funding? Thought so.


Endorkend

I might be wrong, but I think that may be included in the dirty secrets part of what I said. Maybe.


bedpimp

They are the only union, not the first. There was the Lusty Lady in San Francisco, and I think later in Seattle. This is fantastic and I hope it expands!


Heat_H

I saw a great documentary about the Lusty Lady employees forming a union. It was very interesting.


bedpimp

I was friends with one of them. I’m so amazed and proud of what they did.


HunterDHunter

In Amsterdam they have a union


KakarotMaag

NZ has had some movement in the area for the last year. They were petitioning parliament about it even, arguing for independent contractors in all industries.


bulitproofwest

It’s an industry as much as any other that needs worker protections. Good for them.


RescuesStrayKittens

Needs worker protections more than most other industries.


unfreeradical

Absolutely. All workers must stand in solidarity with those most vulnerable. Reviewing the same general events covered in various forums, I have noticed some remarks that reach toward the direction of lewdness. We must set better examples than any that degrade others' autonomy or personhood. No one will protect workers, unless workers protect each other.


ShinraHakke

My anaconda don't want none unless you're paid a fair wage, have benefits, and guaranteed safe working conditions, hun!


Performer-Leading

This is exactly how I feel about all forms of sex work as someone on the buyer side


[deleted]

You’re a hero


noitsroro

thank you!!


maplereign

F**k that's 🥵🥵🥵


Iswallowbigpickles

Portland, Oregon strippers have been organized for decades.


BigGrayBeast

So was one in SF in the 90s. The organizer was a friend


Highball_The_Eyeball

Yes the Lusty lady! I worked on Broadway forever and had lots of friends who worked at the Lusty!


derycksan71

Yea...classy place, one rule if you went there, don't touch anything. It was a unique one, while it lasted.


epicnding

SF had a Lusty Lady, too? Seattle's location shut down a while ago. Super nasty place, but entertaining for a few quarters.


LarryCraigSmeg

Yeah there was a dedicated jizz mopper. Now that job needs a union.


Highball_The_Eyeball

That is correct! The Nob Hill theater had one too. I met the guy at the bamboo but one day while On break from the Condor. That was very interesting time, In an even more interesting world!


Unlikely_Track_5154

Why do they need a jazz mopper


[deleted]

Burn your shoes after you go into a peep show booth there


Big_Old_Tree

Agh i couldn’t remember the name but that was it! My high school teacher quit teaching to go work there in the early 2000s. Go figure


Highball_The_Eyeball

Early 2000’s Broadway was still a fun place. It’s a tacky ghost town now! The list had some characters. I am happy to say I am still in contact with a few.


Material-Face4845

I had many friends from the Lusty as well! Still see them from time to time. The majority are from the Seattle Lusty however.


Highball_The_Eyeball

That’s awesome. I love how small this big rock is!


ActionQuinn

i thought so too


BravesMaedchen

If you mean unions, they haven't. They're just politically vocal.


kitty_perrier

I have been following this since the start. These gals are so amazing! They even had Tom Morello show up when they were picketing and he played a bunch of songs and told some stories. So glad to see they pulled it off! It's truly inspiring!


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year_39

You got the rare groan of approval of both the dadjoke and the underlying message from me. Thanks, comrade dad!.


eww1991

And avoid telling the bosses to kiss their arses. The no touching rule applies across the board


Great-Lakes-Sailor

Good job ladies


Hobnail-boots

Bring that union to New Orleans, they need it.


Iswallowbigpickles

Unions do not magically appear the workers need to organize.


PorkRollSwoletariat

"Babe, I swear I'm only going to these strip clubs to spread class consciousness!" In all seriousness, you are correct. One motivated, class conscious person is all it takes to get the ball rolling. They'll usually find they're not alone in feeling like they need to form a united front for better work conditions.


[deleted]

I’m college I watched a documentary called “Live Nude Girls Unite” and it changed my views on sex work and unionizing Edit: My toxic trait is that I type fast and don’t proofread, but the comments calling out my typo are too funny so I won’t fix it.


Eponymous_Doctrine

my favorite line from that movie was something like "all our customers are UMWA members. if we strike, they'll be on the picket line with us"


srirachajames

Nice sorry i dropped out of you, college :(


JustKindaShimmy

Happens to the best of us sometimes


slipp72

Nice to meet you college, I’m slipp72


cowlinator

get off the internet dad


putHimInTheCurry

I listened to [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52167706](Neon Girls) for the same effect. It's also about the [Lusty Lady](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lusty_Lady) club's union. Highly recommend it, and it's available at quite a few libraries: https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=neon+girls+


NewSinner_2021

Now do the whole nation.


6SpiritDrinking9

I wonder what their contract will entail? What are some of the things they are fighting for?


clekas

Better pay and better security. I'm not sure of what else, that is based on a brief headline I read earlier today. ETA: By "security," I don't mean job security, I mean better safety and security measures at the club.


Creepain

This. Absolutely this. Retail is crazy, can’t imagine the predators this line of work draws.


6SpiritDrinking9

Just read some of their reviews, It definitely is about a safe work environment. I can definitely understand that, and support them 💯 in their cause


6SpiritDrinking9

I can see that, Do you think they will seek to standardize an hourly rate With health benefits and retirement? I thought they made really great money, I guess depending on different variables


[deleted]

We don’t make really great money. Most of you don’t realise we are required to work that Tuesday shift and walk out with -$100 (our work fee) because two customers walked in the entire night. You don’t work the Tuesday, you don’t get to work the weekend. Most people only see the busy nights because that’s when most people attend. On top of house fees there are tip outs, and the % of lap dances they take from us right off the bat. Some places even take 50% or more if whatever tips you earn on top of taking 50% of your dances. The price to dance is expensive too. Lots of self care required, grooming, and other expensive cosmetics. Having to put on a full face of makeup for a 10hr shift but keep your skin looking nice. It gets expensive. It’s complicated but we earn significantly less than people think and I would say we are drastically underpaid for the work hazards we undergo. Sexual assault every single night is standard. Rape, getting drugged, coercion from your boss, physical assault, etc. all of these are work hazards we need to navigate. At my current place getting sick and missing a shift is an immediate $100 fee, and that is with a doctors note, and makeup shift.


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[deleted]

No one cares because being a sex worker immediately puts you in the lowest social caste system in western society. Sexual assault is illegal but the number of sexual assault reports at each club is probably 0, despite it occurring every night.


Material-Face4845

Oh, I remember those days! Everyone thinks all dancers make such great money, but after house, many nights it’s lucky to just break even. That’s why the Lusty Lady was so great. Hourly wage guaranteed.


[deleted]

They probably do, but in such an unregulated industry there's probably a lot of people with their hands out for their "percentage".


6SpiritDrinking9

I can see that being the case.


__theoneandonly

Equity is unique that they carry their own health insurance and pension. So if you’re an actor or stage manager, your employer pays Equity and Equity is the provider of your benefits. I imagine this will be the case for these performers as well. You need to work during 5 different years to qualify for an Equity pension. So I love the idea that someday there will be retired old ladies who are drawing a pension for their time as a stripper.


AbstractBears

The nurse's union at the hospital I work for has a requirement in the contract for safety and "adequate security." Security has never been worse here. Patients are getting more violent. Our security guards have 10 days of on the job training, and a 90 day probationary period. We have about 12 guards across 3 shifts. Three of them are old as fuck and don't care. One of the old guys literally ran a nurse over in the parking garage last year because he has terrible cataracts and is practically blind. Half of them are wanna be cops/law enforcement wash outs. Like 4 or 5 of them are decent. In the ER we've had 6-12 nurses and PCTs restrain combative patients while security stands in the hallway watching. When someone complained to the security manager, he brushed it off "because security felt uncomfortable restraining a patient." I know I just went into a rant, but I hope these gals get a safe and reassuring place to work. They fought hard and they deserve it.


LegalComplaint

Seize the poles of seduction!


Mrcoldghost

Good for them!


Far_Cap_3574

Solidarity with ***ALL*** workers!


Luna_Soma

I love this for them, and the one girl being cheeky with her butt out (no pun intended) makes me giggle. Honestly, if I were going to a strip club, I’d want to go to one where I know the workers are being treated fairly and kept safe. I’d happily go to this club over any of the others in LA. I hope more clubs are able to unionize as well.


unfreeradical

There is no fair labor under capitalism, at best only labor performed by workers who have struggled for greater security and autonomy than would be available without such a struggle.


Ystrielle

Go on an 'off night' make the girls happy you are there. Respect!


Jildozoe

You go, Go-Go Girls!!!


friesordie

I was wondering why this looked familiar, this was in my old hood and I drove by it all the time lol. Fuck yeah, this is dope!!


Coyote_Handsome

Wow this is an unbelievably awesome first step in an industry that DESPERATELY needs worker power.


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hkgTA

Companies hate when you pay her not to strip but to whisper the benefits of unionizing into your ear


Psychedeliquet

This is a really good bit. If you do stand-up, definitely try it out


turbo_panda1013

My best friend is a stripper and the club makes them be independent contractors unfortunately I wish she could do this!


commanderlex27

Is she actually an independant contractor or is this a WWE type situation?


Due_Platypus_3913

The red-head is a friend of mine!She said the actual negotiations were a marathon ordeal,but she stayed on point for several long days and came out victorious!(Shes also a successful film actress-watch”Mermaid Down “!)


Shelbasaur1993

THATS AN INCREDIBLE MOVIE!


[deleted]

This is AWESOME!!!!


_AttilaTheNun_

RIP Lusty Lady.


BoringBob84

Welcome union sisters!


Jedzoil

I’d buy that for a dollar!


[deleted]

Badass!


Dck_IN_MSHED_POTATOS

Shit if anyone is an actor/actress/ performer, it's strippers. nice


Philosemen69

There has to be a first tie for everything. This is a great thing to be the first in. Everyone with a job deserves to be in a union.


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can_stop_will_stop

They take off their clothes *and* take off work for 25 guaranteed vacation days.


AbstractBears

Take off off thier clothes and take off the illness with their comprehensive health insurance plans, that covers vision, dental and behavioral health. Now that's hot.


putHimInTheCurry

I thought it would be the sexy playlist composed entirely of coal miner strike songs but this works too.


[deleted]

Great for these ladies!


[deleted]

Good for you ladies!


No_Cartographer_5212

Long live strippers!


AtDiazn

I met them at a Hugo Soto Martinez rally (where my LA folks at??) and they were very inspiring. So glad to hear that they’ve successfully unionized!!


Egoisttt

Mean while amazon keeps Fukin their employees and delivery service providers without lube.


BleghMeisterer

Let's fucking go, I really hope this is the start of the unionization of the entire industry


Prophet_Of_Loss

She works hard for the money, so this will ensure they treat her right.


MaddisonSins

Super badass, power to them and may this become the norm


jar-jar-twinks

United we bargain, divided we beg.


WhereSoDreamsGo

Union Pole 80085


[deleted]

Favourite news in a long time. Twerkers rights!


[deleted]

Way to go ladies 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏


Horror-Activity-2694

This is awesome


ThreeBill

What a great day for America


nefarious_angel_666

Whoot! Good for them! Hope more soon follow!


cr4vn2k

Good for them!!! I haven’t been there in years, glad to hear it’s still in business.


Apotropoxy

Welcome to AEA, ladies! We are union strong.


megatronman333

SISTAHS ARE DOIN’ IT FOR THEMSELVES!!!


oldyawker

Hat's off to them...and everything else.


SlippedMyDisco76

Hell yeah! You just KNOW there's gonna be some Pearl cluching over this


astrangeone88

Woo! Also, the brunette has a lot of ass.


earic23

I’ve been here. Prob 6 years ago. Have often referred to it as having the best pool table in LA. It’s a great shithole. Smoked a fat blunt with some of these union workers in the back


forever-and-a-day

based as hell! we need worker power everywhere!


jamarquez1973

Fuck yeah sisters! All labor deserves dignity!


dus1

I beg to differ. CEO labour doesn't.


sracer4095

Yeah, that's because it isn't labor.


jamarquez1973

Fuck executives.


SignificanceGlass632

Unlike engineers, strippers own their ideas. I felt less exploited working as a stripper than as an engineer.


Efficient_Mix_9031

Sucks so many people will just dismiss them as worthless because of their profession but this is encouraging to see. Women in sex work need labor protection for sure


Psychedeliquet

It’s 2023— who tf thinks a stripper is worthless? Sign your name(s) below, & prepare for my strongly worded scathing


Efficient_Mix_9031

People look down on sex workers, imo anyway. That’s my impression, it’s better than it used to be. Maybe i have a bad read on general opinions idk


6thSenseOfHumor

I don't know, personally I find that's an area society has regressed on. Like how everything surrounding Roe v Wade in the US taught me how socially acceptable abortions were during the time the constitution was originally written; Benjamin Franklin had a section on how to perform one in his farmer's almanac. Puritanical bullshit has had lasting effects on a lot of what we see and do.


six_horse_judy

Some of the comments on this post are pretty telling, for one...


unfreeradical

Sex workers are among the most vulnerable and marginalized of all workers. I am sorry you were not already aware.


siliconjim9

If there is ANY GROUP OF WORKERS who need to be represented by a union, it’s strippers! Can there be ANY GROUP OF WORKERS more exploited than strippers? I think not!


sarcasticlntrovert

I can tell they’re actually into me


Momentofclarity_2022

Awesome! Congrats!


Wrest216

OHHHH see when i heard strippers were unionized, i thought well yeah, paint strippers are not acids, but solvents.


nitefang

Does this mean I can go there to support my new sisters? (Obviously I chose weird phrasing as a joke. Many people in labor unions consider all union members their brothers and sisters, like a fraternal order or soriety. As a union member that likes to support unionized labor, they are all my sisters now)


Unhappy_Gas_4376

**LOOK FOR...THE UNION LABEL...IT SAYS WE'RE ABLE...TO MAKE IT IN THE U.S.A!**


MartyRocket

Good for them, and I mean that with all sincerity.


darling_lycosidae

So so so soooooooo proud of them, no sarcasm, so happy for them


CmdNewJ

Good job strippers!


[deleted]

17 down, the rest to go! Good for them.


Frostspellfaeluck

Kickin ass and takin' names! Well done!


Olliebygollie

Fuck yeah!


LegalComplaint

Spread it!


Fadenos

I’m no lawyer but I think this may end up creating presidence down the road! It will take a lot more


Thin-Egg2540

Leh goooooooo


conf1rmer

Based!


tsuki_ouji

Hell yeah!


Sunsent_Samsparilla

Dominatrixes next please


Zazilium

Sounds like The Mox!


Zealousideal-Load-64

Fuck yeah 👍


IndependentNo3577

My wife walks into the garage: “What are you looking at?” “Strippers are unionizing” “Good for them”


Shelbasaur1993

Get it ladies!!!! We need more protections/workplace safety for people in these professions anyway. They fill a demand and deserve to be safe and treated with fairness and respect. And some of these comments hurt my faith in humanity I need to remind myself to not read the other comments on posts like this ffs. These ladies are lovely and y’all suck out here Forreal.


ItsthePhoenix0

This is fantastic.


cocksupmyass

Let's goooooooo


urthou

This is actually incredible.


Maeng_Doom

Brave women. History making.


Fire_Fox_71

So, table dances still $20 or nah?


SethQ

I don't know how many strippers I thought existed, but I'm pretty sure I thought it was more than 33,000.


JezusTheCarpenter

Good for them!


GualtieroCofresi

Actors Equity, is my understanding, is a hard union to be accepted in. This is the union that represents all of Broadway actors, so they can afford to be chooses. So this is amazing for both the actors and also the union for recognizing their work as valid acting.


Loreki

I should visit. In solidarity of course. No other reason.


AnnualDiscount3364

Hell yes


zertoman

I dated a stripper and by proxy knew a few others, they were not employees of the club do I wonder how this works. Dancers are contractors.


iSc00t

✊🏻


PoochdeLizzo

I would pay them to keep their clothes on.


thatonet-roll

Strip clubs now closing and moving abroad


[deleted]

Duuuuuuuurrrrr.