Strippers Dismissed from Dunedin Club After Raising Concerns, Says Advocate

#1 · May 16, 2024, 11:25 pm

Quote from Admin on May 16, 2024, 11:25 pm
Otago Daily Times - By Laine Priestley : Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Strippers ‘fired’ after complaints about club

Two strippers were "fired" from a Dunedin strip club for taking a stand against their treatment, says a campaigner for erotic dancers.

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/strippers-%E2%80%98fired%E2%80%99-after-complaints-about-club
laine.priestley@odt.co.nz

Dunedin, New Zealand – In a move that has sparked a heated debate about workers' rights and conditions within the adult entertainment industry, two strippers from Dunedin's Stilettos Revue Bar were reportedly dismissed after voicing concerns about their treatment. Margot Embargot, an advocate for erotic dancers, claims that the dancers were effectively "fired" after they signed a letter to management highlighting issues they faced at the club.

The Incident and Claims

According to Embargot, who organizes the stripper advocacy group Fired Up Stilettos, the dancers signed a letter addressing what they described as degrading treatment and constantly changing rules imposed by the management. The letter alleged that the mood and level of sobriety of the manager significantly influenced the enforcement of rules, creating an unpredictable and stressful work environment.

After presenting their grievances, the dancers were called to a meeting with the club's management. The outcome of this meeting, as reported by Embargot, was that the two dancers were told there would be no more shifts available for them, effectively ending their employment at the club.

Owner's Response

Peter Cooper, the owner of Stilettos Revue Bar, provided a different account of the situation. In a recorded phone call between Cooper and one of the dancers, which was shared with the Otago Daily Times, Cooper is heard making derogatory remarks, stating he could "do whatever he wanted" and expressing frustration with the dancers. He referred to the dancers using offensive language and indicated he no longer wished to "deal with s... from you b...... any more" from them.

When questioned about the phone call, Cooper defended his actions, suggesting the call was a result of being provoked by repeated messages and correspondence from the dancer, which he characterized as a "baiting method." He insisted that the call was not indicative of the usual way he or his management team treated the dancers.

Cooper also denied that the dancers were "fired" in the conventional sense, emphasizing that they were independent contractors rather than employees. As such, their shifts were not guaranteed and could be allocated based on the club's business needs. He asserted that the dancers were informed they would not be scheduled for upcoming shifts due to these needs, rather than as a direct response to their complaints.

Advocacy and Broader Implications

Margot Embargot, who traveled from Wellington to support the Dunedin dancers, highlighted that this incident reflects a broader pattern of treatment within the industry. She explained that the tactic of removing dancers from schedules after they voice complaints is commonly used to intimidate and discourage other dancers from speaking out.

Embargot's organization, Fired Up Stilettos, has been working to advocate for better working conditions and protections for erotic dancers across New Zealand. She pointed out that the current system classifies dancers as independent contractors, which leaves them without many of the protections and benefits afforded to traditional employees. Their contracts often lack guaranteed hours and require dancers to adhere to strict rules set by management, creating a power imbalance that favors club owners.

"We're trying to make a significant dent in the way things work in this industry," Embargot said. "It's not a fast fix, but we're determined to see changes that will level the playing field for all strippers in New Zealand."

Community Support and Fundraising

In response to the dismissals, Fired Up Stilettos organized a fundraising event to support the affected dancers. Last Friday, they hosted a strip show at the Athenaeum Theatre in the Octagon, featuring performances from both local and visiting dancers. The event offered what was billed as "ethical lap dances" and "guilt-free motorboats," with all profits going directly to the dancers.

Embargot emphasized the importance of such events in raising the spirits of dancers who face demoralizing and precarious working conditions. "We want to help raise the dancers' spirits because this is so demoralizing to go through," she said. "It's important for them to feel supported and valued by the community."

The Road Ahead

This incident at Stilettos Revue Bar underscores the ongoing challenges faced by strippers and other workers in the adult entertainment industry. As the debate over workers' rights and classifications continues, advocacy groups like Fired Up Stilettos are pushing for legislative and regulatory reforms to ensure fair treatment and protection for all dancers.

The case also highlights the need for greater awareness and support from the broader community. By standing in solidarity with strippers and advocating for their rights, supporters hope to create a safer and more equitable industry for everyone involved.

In the meantime, the dancers at Stilettos Revue Bar and their advocates remain committed to challenging unfair practices and seeking justice for those who have been mistreated. As Margot Embargot and her colleagues continue their work, they are calling on others to join them in their fight for fairness and respect in the workplace.

Otago Daily Times - By Laine Priestley : Tuesday, 14 May 2024
Strippers ‘fired’ after complaints about club

Two strippers were "fired" from a Dunedin strip club for taking a stand against their treatment, says a campaigner for erotic dancers.

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/strippers-%E2%80%98fired%E2%80%99-after-complaints-about-club
laine.priestley@odt.co.nz

Dunedin, New Zealand – In a move that has sparked a heated debate about workers' rights and conditions within the adult entertainment industry, two strippers from Dunedin's Stilettos Revue Bar were reportedly dismissed after voicing concerns about their treatment. Margot Embargot, an advocate for erotic dancers, claims that the dancers were effectively "fired" after they signed a letter to management highlighting issues they faced at the club.

The Incident and Claims

According to Embargot, who organizes the stripper advocacy group Fired Up Stilettos, the dancers signed a letter addressing what they described as degrading treatment and constantly changing rules imposed by the management. The letter alleged that the mood and level of sobriety of the manager significantly influenced the enforcement of rules, creating an unpredictable and stressful work environment.

After presenting their grievances, the dancers were called to a meeting with the club's management. The outcome of this meeting, as reported by Embargot, was that the two dancers were told there would be no more shifts available for them, effectively ending their employment at the club.

Owner's Response

Peter Cooper, the owner of Stilettos Revue Bar, provided a different account of the situation. In a recorded phone call between Cooper and one of the dancers, which was shared with the Otago Daily Times, Cooper is heard making derogatory remarks, stating he could "do whatever he wanted" and expressing frustration with the dancers. He referred to the dancers using offensive language and indicated he no longer wished to "deal with s... from you b...... any more" from them.

When questioned about the phone call, Cooper defended his actions, suggesting the call was a result of being provoked by repeated messages and correspondence from the dancer, which he characterized as a "baiting method." He insisted that the call was not indicative of the usual way he or his management team treated the dancers.

Cooper also denied that the dancers were "fired" in the conventional sense, emphasizing that they were independent contractors rather than employees. As such, their shifts were not guaranteed and could be allocated based on the club's business needs. He asserted that the dancers were informed they would not be scheduled for upcoming shifts due to these needs, rather than as a direct response to their complaints.

Advocacy and Broader Implications

Margot Embargot, who traveled from Wellington to support the Dunedin dancers, highlighted that this incident reflects a broader pattern of treatment within the industry. She explained that the tactic of removing dancers from schedules after they voice complaints is commonly used to intimidate and discourage other dancers from speaking out.

Embargot's organization, Fired Up Stilettos, has been working to advocate for better working conditions and protections for erotic dancers across New Zealand. She pointed out that the current system classifies dancers as independent contractors, which leaves them without many of the protections and benefits afforded to traditional employees. Their contracts often lack guaranteed hours and require dancers to adhere to strict rules set by management, creating a power imbalance that favors club owners.

"We're trying to make a significant dent in the way things work in this industry," Embargot said. "It's not a fast fix, but we're determined to see changes that will level the playing field for all strippers in New Zealand."

Community Support and Fundraising

In response to the dismissals, Fired Up Stilettos organized a fundraising event to support the affected dancers. Last Friday, they hosted a strip show at the Athenaeum Theatre in the Octagon, featuring performances from both local and visiting dancers. The event offered what was billed as "ethical lap dances" and "guilt-free motorboats," with all profits going directly to the dancers.

Embargot emphasized the importance of such events in raising the spirits of dancers who face demoralizing and precarious working conditions. "We want to help raise the dancers' spirits because this is so demoralizing to go through," she said. "It's important for them to feel supported and valued by the community."

The Road Ahead

This incident at Stilettos Revue Bar underscores the ongoing challenges faced by strippers and other workers in the adult entertainment industry. As the debate over workers' rights and classifications continues, advocacy groups like Fired Up Stilettos are pushing for legislative and regulatory reforms to ensure fair treatment and protection for all dancers.

The case also highlights the need for greater awareness and support from the broader community. By standing in solidarity with strippers and advocating for their rights, supporters hope to create a safer and more equitable industry for everyone involved.

In the meantime, the dancers at Stilettos Revue Bar and their advocates remain committed to challenging unfair practices and seeking justice for those who have been mistreated. As Margot Embargot and her colleagues continue their work, they are calling on others to join them in their fight for fairness and respect in the workplace.