Montreal Strippers Plan Strike During F1 Weekend
As Montreal’s Formula 1 weekend approaches later this month, strippers in the city are not taking a backseat.
In anticipation of the Canadian Grand Prix on May 23, dancers across Canadian cities are planning a strike. They aim to secure salaried positions with protections similar to those enjoyed by other workers. Many dancers in Quebec currently face a tough situation—they seldom receive a regular paycheck, often need to cover their own “bar service charges,” and heavily depend on tips to survive, according to the Montreal Gazette.
The Comité autonome du travail du sexe (CATS) is spearheading this strike.
Celeste Ivey, a dancer in Montreal, expressed frustration over financial struggles faced by workers in her field. “Every year, it seems everyone ends up in the red,” she said, pointing out that cover charges can range from $40 to $100.
She added that without being salaried employees, they lack the same protections that many other workers have access to.
Ivey, a member of CATS, also noted that the self-employed classification leaves dancers vulnerable to hazardous working conditions and without essential benefits like sick leave.
Moreover, she highlighted the sexual harassment incidents that occur during shifts and the absence of support for injuries sustained while working.
“This is our first chance to voice our concerns. We want to be recognized for our work,” she stated.
Francine Tremblay, a former stripper who received hourly pay before leaving the industry in 1988, remarked that this movement could resonate, especially since “this is a time when bars are making money.”
The Canadian Grand Prix serves as a significant economic boost for Montreal, typically attracting millions to the city. Estimates suggest tourism and entertainment revenues can hit between $50 million and $90 million during the event.
Another investigation into the impact of F1 on Montreal noted that local hotels and restaurants see substantial revenue over the weekend, often selling out for meals during Friday and Saturday.
“If they choose to go on strike, their employers will likely be furious,” Tremblay warned.
The Grand Prix festivities kick off on May 22 and run through May 24 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
