Resolution passed by Greater London Labour Representation Committee November 09

13. Sex Work


The criminalisation of those who work in the sex industry helps to divide the working class. It separates illegal workers from legal workers and drives people into clandestine situations where they face dangerous and exploitative conditions.

Moral panic over trafficking has created a smokescreen behind which the state has
intensified its policing of all migrant workers, particularly women. Increasing police powers to raid workplaces and enforce inhumane migration controls is not in the interests of any worker.

Whilst we accept some people have more choices than others at different times in their lives, we recognise that under capitalism all working class people are driven by circumstances to make a living and survive.

We are committed to organising in our workplaces and communities to fight this exploitation and to struggle for dignity in every aspect of our lives. We demand better social provision and a welfare state than can tackle the poverty and hardship many of us face.

We recognise that many sex workers are women and that women, especially migrant women, are amongst some of the most exploited people in our society. We believe that as feminists, socialists and trade unionists we should stand in solidarity with sex workers, not collude with the state in their repression.

Therefore, the LRC calls for the decriminalisation of sex work. We support the unionisation, the self-organisation and liberation of sex workers because we stand in solidarity with all workers organising for their rights.