Like any employee, Sonja had set hours, had to be on stage at a certain time and dress a certain way. She was penalized if she missed a shift. But like most strippers, Sonja wasn't considered an employee. That's because club owners typically classify strippers as independent contractors.
It lets bosses get away with not paying employment taxes, not complying with discrimination laws and not offering benefits such as health care or retirement plans, according to Robert Woods, a tax lawyer in San Francisco. In turn, workers do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
They might also miss out on Medicare and Social Security benefits if they don't properly withhold those taxes. It's a situation that Sonja and other strippers are increasingly challenging in court. The year-old from Brockton, Mass. She is awaiting the outcome of two more. Related: I work 70 hours a week. As independent contractors, strippers' income comes solely from tips. Often, club owners' long list of fees take a big bite out of that too.
Hima B. It's commonplace for club owners to levy such a fee. You shouldn't pay to work," said Hima B. Some strippers also have to pay DJs and other overhead costs like rent.
Cases like Sonja's are picking up steam. Just last month, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that dancers at Club Orleans in Topeka were employees rather than contractual talent. It granted them the right to collect unemployment insurance. The settlement amount will be divided among strippers across six states.
