Shift has seen an increase in indoor workers seeking financial assistance and financial counseling since fall 2008. During the same time period the US was starting to call the economic downturn an official recession and Canada was close to follow suit. Many individuals that were seeking financial resources through Shift said that some of their regulars had become significantly less regular with their own individual economic hardships. Some individuals said that it seemed that there had been more competition for clients in massage parlors and in street level sex work. Some Sex Workers also reported that they themselves had lost income in their own investments.
In an article in Huffpost, “Sex Workers Getting Fucked by the Economy”, David Henry Sterry discusses the expectations that clients have towards Sex Workers and how those expectations have changed due to the recession. The author conducted interviews with Sex Workers in the US and many of them report to receiving significantly less compensation for services rendered and have been feeling increased pressure to look into other areas of work due to lack of demand (1). The National Counsel of Women in New Zealand released a press release on International Women’s Day calling attention to issues associated with the recession and its impact on Sex Workers. The counsel reports that women have been asked to negotiate compromising deals in order to generate income with clients, and also that Sex Workers in China were feeing increased pressure to perform bareback services.(2)
If you are experiencing financial difficulties you might be wondering what resources are available for Sex Workers in Alberta?
The type of government resources available to you depend on the area of Sex Work that you work in and if you have filed a tax return. It is recommended that if you are applying for Social Assistance that you contact Shift to assist with the application.
Employment Insurance: In order to qualify for Employment Insurance:
· You must have been employed by an agency or massage parlor
· You must have received a pay check from which tax was deducted (this is not applicable if you were considered a contract worker) and have been laid off by that agency.
· You must have filed a tax return. (3)
Alberta Works: Income support for people who are either unable to work due to injury or illness, or for people who have not been able to find employment. Residents of Alberta can qualify. The amount of money allocated per month is very low, but could be helpful in a time of emergency.
AISH: Income support for individuals with severe and long term disabilities.
There are also several community based resources available. Shift is experienced in providing support around budgeting, and can provide referrals to other community based programs to assist with finances and basic needs.
Impact on Health
Financial stress can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s well-being and mental and physical health. Carrying the burden of unpaid bills or fear of losing belongings can disrupt a persons mental health and may lead to anxiety, depression, and an increase in use of drugs and alcohol.(4) If you are feeling the burden of financial difficulties you can contact Shift or for 24 hour phone support you can reach the Distress Centre at 403-266-1605
For more information:
Money Matters: STAR Sex Trade Advocacy and Research
http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/sociology/maticka/star/pdfs/money_matters.pdf
Employment Insurance
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/menu/eihome.shtml
Alberta Works
http://employment.alberta.ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/hs.xsl/3171.html
AISH
http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/AISH/
Resources:
Sterry (03/11/09) Sex Workers Getting Fucked by Limp Economy. Huffington Post retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-henry-sterry/sex-workers-getting-fcked_b_173730.html
National Council of Women New Zealand. (03/06/2009) Prostitution Hits Big in Recession. Retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0903/S00067.htm
STAR Sex Trade Advocacy and Research. (09/2004) Money Matters retrieved 03/23/09 http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/sociology/maticka/star/pdfs/money_matters.pdf
Reardon (03/2009) March/April Social Work Today. Economic Squeeze — The Recession’s Impact on Behavioral Health. Retrieved 03/23/09 http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/031109p12.shtml
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