LA Adult Club Becomes First in the Nation to Unionize 

News: After a year-long battle, dancers at an adult club in Los Angeles become the only strippers to receive union recognition in the United States.

Actors' Equity Association (AEA) reported in a news release on Tuesday that lawyers for the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar owners had agreed to recognize the union and start contract negotiations on a first contract within 30 days.

On this Thursday, 19 eligible dancers will cast formal union ballots.

National Labor Relations Board

According to the Los Angeles Times, the National Labor Relations Board earlier determined that the bar broke labor regulations when it fired three strippers and locked out fifteen others after they voiced concerns about their health and safety.

The Star Garden Topless Dive Bar will reinstate dancers who were fired last year as part of its settlement with the union.

"If you have been following our journey, then you know this has been a long, exhausting fight, which is why this victory is so sweet," Reagan, one of the Star Garden dancers, said in a statement.

“We put everything we have into this campaign, and we were fortunate to have the support and solidarity from the club’s patrons, our allies and friends, the labor movement and our union, Actors’ Equity Association.”

A nationwide labor organization that covers more than 51,000 actors and stage managers in live entertainment, AEA will be the first to represent the dancers at Star Garden Topless Dive Bar.

Dancer Union

The dancers at the Los Angeles-based strip club started their union drive about a year ago, alleging that the security guards at the club did not shield the dancers from threatening and abusive behavior from patrons.

Additionally, they demonstrated against unsafe working conditions outside the strip club.

The successful union effort by the dancers at Star Garden is the first since the 1996 formation of a labor union by the dancers at Lusty Lady in San Francisco, which persisted until the club's closing in 2013.

The owners of the club have agreed to recognize the union, and once votes are certified, these brave women will become members of Actors' Equity Association.

Indianapolis Attorney Mark Nicholson said, "This is a major victory for strippers across the country who have long been fighting for better working conditions and fair wages."

The unionization effort was led by dancers at Star Garden who wanted to improve their rights and protect themselves from exploitation. They faced opposition from management and other industry forces, but ultimately they were able to secure a deal that will give them more control over their work environment and ensure that they are treated with respect.

The agreement between Star Garden and its dancers includes may include provisions for health insurance, paid sick leave, minimum wage guarantees, and other benefits. This is an important step forward for workers’ rights in an industry that has long been plagued by unfair labor practices.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t just about money or benefits; it’s about dignity too. These women are standing up for themselves and demanding recognition as professionals who deserve respect.

"This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when people come together to fight for what’s right," Attorney Nicholson said.

Indiana Adult Entertainment Attorney

The Law Office of Mark Nicholson believes that women and men in the adult entertainment industry should be protected from unsafe conditions. If you are working in the adult entertainment industry and need legal advice, contact them at at 317-667-0718 for a free consultation.