BERLIN — The Sex Worker Section of Germany's Free Workers' Union (FAU) Berlin will host a panel discussion on Oct. 29 as a part of this year's PornFilmFestival Berlin, focusing on common problems porn performers face in both mainstream industry and indie content.
The union will begin investigating possible strategies for porn performers wishing to organize, a rep said.
FAU Berlin describes itself as “an anarcho-syndicalist trade union in which workers from many different fields and industries collaborate for better working conditions for all.”
The Sex Worker Section’s mission is to “fight for the rights of sex workers — in their workplaces, but also on platforms and among freelancers. Our goal is a safer, fairer, and less stigmatized world for sex workers in Berlin."
Questions to be discussed at the panel will include: How do the broad changes in the adult business shift the dynamics between performers and their work environment? How are performers affected by society's systemic and often material forms of injustice (online censorship, bank discrimination, racism and other systemic oppressions)? What power do performers have in an often precarious and rapidly-changing gig economy? What insights can the organization of porn artists also offer to traditional models of trade unionizing?
After a brief introduction to the Sex Worker Section as a trade union, the conversation will “go into detail on these workplace issues, while also providing ideas on dealing with them and working towards greater performer empowerment,” the rep said. There will also be a Q&A and time for discussion.
The event is open to all, the venue is wheelchair-accessible and a donation is suggested for admission. The panel will be in English, but German whisper translation may be available.
The panel will take place at SO36, Oranienstr. 190, on Oct. 29. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the discussion will take place from 5-8 p.m.
For more information, email faub_sexwork@fau.org.
