GMB Scotland's lap dancers members to protest in George Square

GMB Scotland members working in the adult entertainment industry will be in the civic hub to raise public awareness of Glasgow City Council’s live consultation process.

The women say there is a danger to their livelihoods and industry standards if council bosses go ahead with a ban on lap dancing venues.

Rhea Wolfson, GMB Scotland Regional Organiser, said: “There would be outrage if the workers’ voice was ignored from a consultation in any other sector if the economy so why should our members in Glasgow’s lap dancing venues be any different?

“To this point, the council and advocates of a ban don’t want to hear the views of the very people who choose to work in the venues and whose livelihoods will be devastated by the consultation, and that’s fundamentally wrong."

READ MORE:

Meanwhile, GMB has signed a second trade union recognition agreement with lap dancing venue Diamond Dolls which ensures staff can bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of employment.

The union said it is another milestone in GMB’s organising campaign across lap dancing venues and the wider adult entertainment sector.

GMB members will be leafleting the public from 1pm.

The GCC consultation on the future policy development of Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEV) in Glasgow runs until Monday, August 26.

Ms Wolfson added: “We strongly believe that regulatory reform should be used to improve standards for workers and venues; that’s why GMB is organising and growing through formal trade union recognition agreements in Glasgow’s venues. It’s the right thing to do.

READ MORE:

“So before the people of Glasgow reach their conclusions on the future of the city’s lap dancing venues, we need to tackle misconceptions and remove the intrigue.

"That’s why tomorrow our members will be urging the public: ‘Listen to the workers’ voice. Ask the 700 ’.”