Posted on 06/28/2024 2:41:32 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The new rules allow them to sign job contracts with approved employers. It's an unprecedented effort to regulate the sector, but not everyone is convinced, as Euronews Witness reports.
In Belgium prostitutes will soon have access to the same social rights as other employees, thanks to a law adopted in May 2024. The new rules allow them to sign job contracts with approved employers. It's an unprecedented effort to regulate the sector, but not everyone is convinced, as Euronews Witness reports.
Previously, hostess bars and erotic massage parlors in Belgium operated in a legal gray area: sex workers were paid in cash or were employed under waitress contracts.
It was considered an open door to abuse, according to supporters of the law.
"It feels good to know what is legally allowed because the question has always been whether we were doing things correctly or not," says Alexandra Moreels, owner of an erotic salon.
Clear rules on the sector
By decriminalising certain forms of pimping, the government says it intends to impose clear rules on the sector, create statuses adapted to the specific and unique aspects of sex work, and ensure access to unemployment benefits, health insurance, and maternity leave.
To recruit legally, employers must have their criminal records checked, obtain an authorisation to operate, and have their headquarters in Belgium. They must also respect their employees' right to refuse a client and to stop a sexual act at any time.
“We have no problem with that at all, so everything here is legal. It's as described in the law that is coming now. The ladies should be able to choose which client they want to do. That's already the case here” says Kris, Alexandra’s husband and co-owner of the salon.
"Obviously, some are forced to accept clients. And so for those people, it is super important that this law has been passed," explains Manon, who has been a sex worker in Belgium since she was 19 years old.
“It must be a job that offers us the same rights as anyone else's,” she adds.
Could Belgium's historic labour law for sex workers usher change across Europe? Not unanimously accepted
However, this reform is not unanimously welcomed, especially among certain feminist associations that denounce a commodification of women's bodies and a text that is unsuitable for the situations of migrant prostitutes and victims of human trafficking.
Without a work permit, they cannot be hired under the framework of the new law.
"This will favor pimps and traffickers who already benefit from enormous impunity in Belgium," says Mireia Crespo, director of ISALA, an association that supports women prostitutes in vulnerable situations.
The most realistic approach
However, many professionals in the sector consider this reform to be the most realistic approach.
"Sex work exists. And if you don’t do it in the open, it will exist underground," says Karin Van Der Elst, owner of Villa Tinto in Antwerp, a real estate complex where prostitutes can rent windows by the day.
At this stage, the new law still raises many questions. According to experts, it will take several years to assess its effects on the living conditions of sex workers as well as on trafficking and pimping.
short term contracts I suppose sort of like hour rates at motels
Will there be a penalty for early withdrawal?
And next year in the U.S. their tips won’t be taxed.......
If sex work is work, a pimp is a labor contractor?
to refuse a client and to stop a sexual act at any time.
= = =
Sounds like they want to break the ‘contract’.
Will I am relieved, it’s been bothering me for a long time.(NOT)
The US should do this with all illegal drug dealers and coyotes. After all, some experts consider this to be "the most realistic approach". Since our government is unable and unwilling to stop the illegal activity, at least balance the budget, right?
You can keep your ho on a retainer!
Contracts imply setting goals for productivity, customer service/satisfaction, ethical business practices, customer and employee safety.
Is there a dress code or is every day casual Friday?
Are workers required to advertise?
How are they paid? By the hour or the job? Is there overtime?
Productivity: How many jobs a day are workers expected to complete?
Do seniority rules apply (there's an old joke about this)?
Can they work on the side, or does the company get a piece of every transaction?
How many times must a worker repeat transactions with unsatisfied customers?
Labor contracts imply some sort of mediator to resolve disputes. Will the gov't take on this responsibility? At what price?
As long as it’s agreed that if she breaks the contract she doesn’t get paid
sickening
Sounds like they can also be sued for “failure to deliver services” too...
The government can’t afford to hire everyone with the manufacturing kaput and energy prices thru the roof. At least let them support themselves and RAISE the morale of the citizens.
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