Oregon Senators Approve Stripper, Entertainer Help Hotline

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

Nada Sewidan, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Oregon senators recently approved a legislation that requires the state to institute a toll-free help hotline for strippers and other live entertainers. The hotline would essentially serve as a way for entertainers to disclose employment related issues and concerns.

If passed, the bill will enforce the Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner to provide a hotline, as well as develop and display a poster within certain entertainment venues that state the rights of the entertainers in the workplace, especially independent contractors.

The hotline will be anonymous and allow the caller to remain confidential if they wish.

The bill was originally sought out by several dancers who corresponded with the Association of Social Workers. The hotline is available for all entertainers including dancers, musicians, comedians and actors.

Some of the issues discussed regarding the legislation included rate of sex trafficking in Oregon, maltreatment of entertainers, worker compensation for independent entertainers and the unwillingness and hesitancy of entertainers to complain about maltreatment and poor working conditions.

This measure has been approved by the senators and will be passed over to governor Kate Brown for approval. For more information on this bill click here.

Among other legislations passed in this session include expunging marijuana convictions from personal records and helping lesbian, gay and transgender veterans change their discharge status filed due to sexual orientation.

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