Legislation in Washington state known as the strippers’ bill of rights was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee, creating comprehensive protections for workers in the adult entertainment industry. The new law requires training for employees to prevent sexual harassment, identify human trafficking, de-escalate conflict, and provide first aid. It also mandates security workers on site, keypad codes on dressing rooms, and panic buttons in areas where entertainers may be alone with customers. Most dancers in the state are independent contractors who must pay club fees every shift, and the law limits these fees to $150 or 30% of their shift earnings, whichever is less.
The state Department of Labor and Industries will draft rules and guidelines for implementing the changes to workplace safety standards mandated by the law. The legislation also allows adult entertainment businesses to obtain liquor licenses, tying these licenses to compliance with the new safety regulations. Strippers Are Workers, a dancer-led organization that advocated for these regulations, emphasized the importance of ensuring clubs remain open and providing workers with protections without increasing the risk of closure. The organization began its efforts due to significant regulation gaps for performers at adult entertainment clubs across the state.
The passage of the strippers’ bill of rights in Washington state is a significant step forward in providing protections for adult entertainers. Only one other state, Illinois, has implemented similar worker protections for those in the adult entertainment industry, requiring written sexual harassment policies for establishments. Various efforts have been made to improve working conditions for dancers, including unionization at establishments in Los Angeles and Portland, as well as a court ruling in Nevada in 2014 that classified dancers as employees entitled to minimum wage and other protections. The new law in Washington aims to confront the stigma surrounding adult entertainment and recognize the humanity of those involved in the industry, according to Sen. Rebecca Saldaña.
Advocates for the legislation argue that strippers are workers who deserve the same rights and protections as any other labor force. The bill aims to protect dancers from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse, ensuring that they have a safe working environment. By limiting club fees and requiring safety measures in adult entertainment establishments, the legislation seeks to improve working conditions for strippers across the state. The law also addresses concerns about club closures by allowing the businesses to obtain liquor licenses, with these licenses dependent on compliance with the new safety regulations.
The efforts to pass the strippers’ bill of rights in Washington state were led by the organization Strippers Are Workers, which has been advocating for these protections since 2018. The campaign manager of the group, Madison Zack-Wu, highlighted the need for regulations to close gaps in workplace safety standards for dancers working in adult entertainment clubs. The law reflects a broader trend towards improving conditions for workers in the adult entertainment industry, with various states and establishments taking steps to ensure the rights and protections of those involved. Implementation of the new regulations and guidelines by the state Department of Labor and Industries is expected by early next year, marking a significant milestone in the fight for better working conditions for strippers in Washington.
