People attend the "Sexo and Entertainment" adult exhibition in Mexico City October 31, 2014. Exotic dancers, strippers and adult movie actors present new trends of the erotic and porn industry at the three-day event.
People attend the "Sexo and Entertainment" adult exhibition in Mexico City October 31, 2014. Exotic dancers, strippers and adult movie actors present new trends of the erotic and porn industry at the three-day event. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido (MEXICO - Tags: SOCIETY)

Strippers in Oregon have hired lobbyists to help them push for better working conditions that would comply with federal and local health and safety standards.

Among the standards they want met are clean stages, poles that are structurally safe and sufficient security. The strippers also want all clubs to have a poster on display that lists rights of dance, including a hotline they could call to clarify issues or report abuses, reports Pennlive.

They also want for the hotline to be manned by people from their industry, not public servants or police officers.

As independent contractors, strippers are not considered employees and even pay to the management, bartenders, bouncers, DJs and other support staff a part of their earnings. They are neither entitled to health insurance nor required to pay payroll taxes.

Nevertheless, they value their contractual status because it offers them anonymity and flexibility.

But beyond the poor working conditions, what many strippers rue is fighting the stigma that they are victims needing help from outsiders, said Elle Stanger, a stripper for five years at Lucky Devil Lounge.

She said because of the dilapidated and poorly maintained buildings, some stripper are injured from broken glasses on the stage, while sounds are not pleasant due to poor wiring.

To contact the writer, email: v.hernandez@ibtimes.com.au