Montreal’s sex workers are organizing a strike on the eve of the 2023 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix to advocate for improved working conditions. The event, scheduled for May 24, is being led by the Sex Work Autonomous Committee, which aims to address various issues within strip clubs and massage parlors, including the formal recognition of sex workers as employees entitled to government benefits.
Activist and stripper Celeste Ivy highlighted that sex workers lack the protections afforded to salaried employees, which limits their access to critical workplace rights. The committee’s demands also include eliminating venue fees for performers, ending scheduling discrimination related to race, gender identity, age, or size, and advocating for the decriminalization of sex work across Canada.
In addition to financial concerns, strikers are calling for safer and cleaner working environments. Adore Goldman, another activist, pointed out the financial strain associated with the current model, where performers often end up losing money after paying for their right to work on stage.
The timing of the strike, coinciding with one of the busiest weekends in the club industry due to the Grand Prix, aims to draw attention to the livelihoods of sex workers during a period of heightened business activity for their employers. The committee emphasizes that the Grand Prix represents the most lucrative time of the year for club owners, thus highlighting the disparities faced by the workers.
The Canadian Grand Prix has a long history, having been a part of Formula 1 since 1967 and regularly attracting large crowds, with a record attendance of over 352,000 in 2025.
Why this story matters: The strike sheds light on labor rights and working conditions in an often marginalized industry.
Key takeaway: Sex workers are advocating for formal recognition, safety, and fair compensation during a peak business time.
Opposing viewpoint: Some may argue that the nature of sex work remains contentious, and government recognition could complicate existing legal frameworks.
