The Washington Legislature could look at laws governing exotic dancing clubs to clear up questions about safety, training, and whether dancers are employees or contractors.
Members of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee on Monday heard from a number of longtime dancers to consider regulations and procedures for reporting workplace health and safety complaints. Officials with the state Department of Labor and Industries say the agency doesn’t make regular inspections, but instead relies on complaints.
The department has only responded to a few minor safety-related complaints in the past 10 years. However, dancers told the committee they are discouraged from reporting incidents or fired when they do.
Some club owners say the establishments don’t provide workplace training for the dancers because they are private contractors.
Committee Chairman Mike Sells says his panel could address workplace standards in the upcoming legislative session. (Spokesman-Review)
