Sex workers in Montreal held a strike and demonstration on May 23, 2024 [1], demanding stronger labour rights and workplace protections.

This action targets the systemic exclusion of sex workers from Quebec's workplace safety regulations. Because these workers are classified as self-employed, they lack access to essential benefits and legal safeguards provided to other employees.

The demonstrations were organized by the Sex Work Autonomous Committee (SWAC) and included exotic dancers and strippers [1]. Participants marched through the streets near clubs and venues, coinciding with the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend [1]. The timing of the protest sought to leverage the presence of thousands of visitors in the city [2].

Organizers are calling for an end to "bar fees," a practice where workers pay the venue for the right to work. They are also seeking protections against overbooking, and the establishment of paid time off [1].

Currently, the self-employed status of these workers means they have no access to parental leave or standard workplace safety nets [1]. The SWAC aims to shift this classification to ensure full worker protections are applied to the industry.

The protest took place as the city experienced a surge in tourism and nightlife activity due to the racing event [2]. The group used the high visibility of the weekend to bring attention to the precarious nature of their employment conditions [1].

“Montreal sex workers held a strike and demonstration on May 23, 2024.”

This movement represents a push to redefine the legal employment status of sex workers in Quebec. By challenging the 'self-employed' classification, the SWAC is attempting to move the industry into the formal labour regulatory framework, which would grant workers legal recourse against exploitative venue practices and provide access to provincial social security benefits.