Abstract
This Note examines labor organizing efforts of marginalized labor and, based on that examination, formulates a theory of what the author call "margins-organizing." It then applies that theory to the labor organizing efforts of sex workers. It argues that whatever one's feelings are about sex work itself, the separate work of labor organizing is as similar to and as valid as that of other marginalized workers. The hope is that by bringing sex workers within the margins-organizing lens, that group will be better able to form ties with, learn from, and teach other marginalized labor groups. Part I introduces the notion that sex worker organizing should be included within the framework of margins-organizing. Part II gives a quick background in the NLRA and explains why the NLRA may be of little use to sex workers and other marginalized-workers. Part III explores commonalities between immigrant day laborers, immigrant domestic workers, and sex workers. Part III then looks role of worker centers, cooperatives, and other identity-based organizing in the organizing efforts of day laborers and domestic workers. Part IV suggests a holistic framework of organizing at the margins, drawn from these methods. Part V shows how sex workers are also organizing in much the same way as other marginalized groups by applying the framework of margins-organizing to the work that sex workers are already doing.
Recommended Citation
Monica R. Moukalif,
See No Evil: Applying a Labor Lens to Prostitute Organizing,
20 Hastings Women's L.J. 253
(2009).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hwlj/vol20/iss2/6