Montreal strippers to take action over F1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend

Strippers in Montreal are planning targeted strike action during the F1 Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

The Sex Work Autonomous Committee (SWAC) are planning a walk-out on Saturday, May 23rd, on Sprint and Qualifying day, in furtherance of its recent campaign for full worker and employee rights for its members.

Although the strike has been organised to coincide with the F1 Canadian GP, F1 and the Canadian GP itself are not involved in any way or manner.

Owing to the influx of visitors to Montreal for the race weekend, organisers said that the "most lucrative period of the year" was "our chance" to impact their bosses' bottom line. 

"The clubs are at their busiest, making ​it the ⁠most lucrative period of the year for our boss," said a statement, as quoted by Reuters.

"This is our chance to threaten that income and affect ⁠them ​when it hurts the most. During ​this time, despite management making more money, dancers have to put up with ... ​generally worse working conditions."

The group is seeking the abolition of "the bar fee", in which performers must pay to work in venues, and also an increase in safe and sanitary working conditions.