Strippers bear all in heated protest against management
The Strippers and Pole Dancers Union (SPDU) Local 675 in London will be staging sidewalk protests beginning this weekend at all area clubs. Union members allege that union management — namely pimps, skeezy bar owners and high rollers — are helping themselves to tips and profits that the performers earn through private lap dances and performances.
“SPDU is standing behind their workers, and will continue to support all dancers until they receive the full benefits that are outlined in the current agreement,” said Candy Kaine, Local 675 union steward. “These women work hard for the cash, jewelry, vehicles and $200 champagne that they are tipped by customers.”
However, patrons, bar owners and shareholders maintain that they are not breeching the agreement, which clearly states anyone in a management position is entitled to five per cent of all incomes made by union members while working.
The problem with the agreement lies in the semantics of the bargaining agreement. Management believes that being a dancer is a lifestyle, and any money made any time is considered job-related income. SPDU, however, firmly argues that unless the acts are conducted in a strip joint, gentleman's club or nudie bar, the worker is acting on her own time, and is entitled to 100 per cent of monies made.
“We will strike as long as necessary for our members to be treated like professional pieces of meat,” Kaine stated in a recent press release. “We are masters of our craft. This is no Tuesday night ameteur show.
“There is no $1.99 lunch buffet, and no half price lap dances before noon. We are prepared to go all the way.”
The stike is expected to last at least six weeks. Hospitals, local police and EMS services are on high alert to handle the expected sharp rise in street violence that will last until the dancers are back on the poles.
