But now, some dancers across Montreal have come out against the strike, fearing the proposed changes could make vulnerable workers even less safe.<\/p>\n
CBC agreed to conceal the identities of several dancers interviewed for this story due to concerns for their safety and potential retribution from employers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are initially people who were for the strike because we want change,\u201d said one dancer, who asked to be identified as Coco. \u201cIt\u2019s just we\u2019re not sure this is exactly the change that we want.\u201d’<\/p>\n
Most dancers in Canada currently work as independent contractors rather than salaried employees. They make their money by selling dances or if patrons tip them while they\u2019re onstage<\/p>\n
In many clubs, dancers pay \u201cbar fees\u201d \u2014 fees charged by clubs to work a shift \u2014 and then, in theory, maintain control over their schedules, clients and hours.<\/p>\n
Strike organizers argue that the system leaves workers vulnerable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey always make us feel like we\u2019re replaceable,\u201d said Adore Goldman, co-founder of SWAC and organizer of the strike. CBC granted Goldman\u2019s request to use her professional name instead of her legal name due to safety concerns if her legal name was known to her clients.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo if you ask for too much, you will get kicked out or they will just not book you just because they can.\u201d<\/p>\n
New status, new problems\u00a0<\/p>\n
Supporters of the strike say employee status would provide stronger labour protections, more stability and safer working conditions.<\/p>\n
But other dancers argue employee classification could create new problems \u2014 especially for workers already facing discrimination or precarious immigration situations.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving the flexibility and the autonomy of being a self-employed contractor is really important,\u201d said a Montreal dancer who opposes the employee status proposal. She asked to be identified as Zohra.<\/p>\n
Several dancers interviewed by CBC said they worry formal employment records tied to sex work could expose workers to additional scrutiny when crossing borders, applying for housing or interacting with police.<\/p>\n
Others fear clubs would gain more control over schedules, performance expectations and hiring decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe like the degree of autonomy that we have currently,\u201d another dancer under the alias of Andrea, said. \u201cToo much power in the hands of our employers could reproduce the racial discrimination that is happening.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Caf\u00e9](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/e183afec992d4b9e1a2cb6ad5aacdcfd.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n
(Cassandra Yanez-Leyton\/CBC)<\/p>\n
CBC has made multiple attempts to reach different Montreal strip clubs with no success.<\/p>\n
Some dancers who oppose the strike also say employee status could create a two-tier system within the industry, where workers unable or unwilling to formally register as employees would be pushed into more precarious and less visible work environments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s going to be the people who fell through the cracks, who work in more dangerous conditions,\u201d said Coco, referring to people with precarious immigration status.<\/p>\n
The debate over bar fees has become another major flashpoint.<\/p>\n
Strike organizers argue the fees unfairly shift business costs onto dancers, who are also often\u00a0 expected to tip DJs, managers and other staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis can add up,\u201d Goldman said.<\/p>\n
But opponents compare the arrangement to renting a chair at a hair salon \u2014 paying for workspace while maintaining independence over earnings and schedules.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would much rather pay $50 to work than $350 because now I owe the club a quota,\u201d Coco said, using a quota as an example of how an employed dancer might be stung by an employer\u2019s rules.<\/p>\n
Debate ends at decriminalization\u00a0<\/p>\n
Despite the disagreements over labour models, many dancers on both sides of the debate support decriminalizing sex work in Canada.<\/p>\n