Strippers partner with Northwest lawmakers to improve working conditions



By: Justin Sullivan, Getty



SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Around the country, strippers have stepped up their fight for better working conditions.

Some are suing. Others have filed complaints with state regulators. A handful have unionized.

But in Oregon, home to fierce free speech protections and a robust strip club scene, the dancers are taking a different approach. They're working directly with state lawmakers and even professional lobbyists to win workplace improvements.

The dancers say they're too often subjected to rules imposed by well-meaning outsiders, so they're glad to have a voice in the Legislature. A group of dancers convened by social workers meets regularly to discuss improvements.

The strippers are seeking small changes: A mandate that clubs post information about the rights of dancers, with a hotline they can call to report abuses.

Club owners worry they'll have to foot the bill.

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