Strippers Protest 'Independent Contractor' Bill

Strippers Protest 'Independent Contractor' Bill

SAN DIEGO — Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez was confronted today by several dozen dancers outside of her office in San Diego as they protested a bill that would penalize employers who misclassify workers as “independent contractors” rather than “employees.”

It is a topic that has been covered by XBIZ in the past, both specifically for California, and more broadly for adult enterprises.  Stormy Daniels even weighed in on the topic in an L.A. Times op-ed.

The protesting dancers, many of whom work at local strip clubs, say they prefer to be classified as independent contractors as it gives them more freedom over their working hours.

“I don’t want to be told what to do — when and where to work,” said one of the protestors. “That’s why I’m an independent contractor, not an employee.”

Gonzalez explained that her bill (AB 5) supports the state supreme court’s ruling that companies must prove their workers are independent contractors rather than employees — and notes that it primarily targets such companies as Lyft and Uber — because the state’s courts have settled the strip club issue.

“The court already decided on exotic dancers — they are employees. Clubs are cheating their workers [but] this bill doesn’t affect these folks,” Gonzalez said. “This bill will ensure they’re paid minimum wage, get paid (overtime) if they worked more than 40 hours a week [and] will make sure they have workers compensation — ensure they have healthcare.”

“An independent contractor is supposed to be a small business,” Gonzalez added, asking the protestors, “Do you really think every Uber driver is their own small business?”

The bill is not without its backers among sex worker supporters, however, some of whom have worked to obtain better career paths and working conditions for those within the industry.

“I am alongside Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez speaking to exotic dancers about why we, as adult performers, and they, as exotic dancers, deserve protections as employees,” says Alana Evans of the Adult Performers Actors Guild (APAG). “Lorena asked me to attend this protest by her side.”

AB 5 is set to be taken up by the Labor Committee in early March.

A video of the protest is available here.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Debuts 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced its new Grinders line of vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Show More