Beyond Decriminalization: Sex-work, Human Rights and a New ...

BEYOND DECRIMINALIZATION: Sex Work, Human Rights and a New Framework for Law ReformSection 5: Sex workers as independent contractorsThe preceding discussion applies to sex workers who wish to be characterized as employees so theyare able to claim benefits and protections under the ESA and other employment related statutes suchas the LRC. However, some sex workers will prefer to work on their own as independent contractors.Others may be forced to do so as a result of their inability to secure or retain employment. Many sexworkers who remain as independent contractors may be at greatest risk in terms of having to continueto operate in unsafe working conditions. In response to this concern, many sex workers expressed aninterest in establishing working arrangements with other sex workers.Section 6: Sex workers operating as a collectiveParticipants were asked for their opinion about working in a “collective.” For the purpose of thesediscussions a “collective” was described as a group of sex workers with a common goal and visionthat upholds the equality of its members, and strives to ensure that its members have equal decisionmakingpower and responsibility.Some sex workers were sceptical of the potential for a group of sex workers to work together in anenvironment where they work and share profit:A. There’s just too much pettiness with the girls. Personally, I worked in them, but Icould not stand being around girls with pimp, for that long period of time. And– Right. Whoever, wherever. And them being – it’s just a different mentality, beingin the business and not having your needing or wanting, a desire, or threatened byit. And whereas, it’s a competition for money, so then there’s the thing that goes onbetween girls inside the trade, inside the massage parlours, is that they want that girl– oh, she’s new, she’s pretty – she’s taking business, our money now, so then they startganging up on that person and they push her out. So that’s not really fun, either inthat fairness way, but, y’know, like all those little whiteys will stick together and dotheir stupid little things.- female off-street out-call sex workerHowever, for many others, working in a collective environment was an appealing concept:A. I would [prefer to work as an] independent, but more of a cooperative. Rather thanalone-independent, I think.A. Like everyone, all the working girls having a share in the . . .A. In the company, in the house.A. And for a full service, you would have different times when you are on duty,answering that phone. And then, y’know, the other time, when you are not, youare doing the kid-care part. And then, it could even be one separate place, but nottotally.Q. What do some other people think? Independently or for an employer?A. I’d say independently but I like the idea of a co-op too . . .A. Yeah cause its always being alone it’s . . .A. Yes, the girls would all, with the coop all the decisions would be made cooperatively.- female off-street out-call sex workersAnother project participant felt that it would be appropriate to have an elected position within thecollective for someone to handle complaints:143