Sex workers in Belgium have been granted formal employment contracts under a historic new law that took effect on Sunday, making the country the first in the world to offer such rights.
The groundbreaking legislation provides sex workers with access to sick leave, maternity pay, pensions, and other labour protections.
It also guarantees fundamental rights, including the ability to refuse clients, set conditions for acts, and stop them at any time.
Mel Meliciousss, a member of the Belgian union of sex workers, UTSOPI, shared her excitement on Instagram: “I am a very proud Belgium sex worker right now. People who are already working in the industry will be much more protected, and also people who are going to work in the industry also know what their rights are.”
Meanwhile, Belgium decriminalised sex work in 2022, narrowing the definition of “pimping” to ensure sex workers could access essential services, such as banking and insurance.
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With this new law, employers must meet strict background checks and ensure their premises are clean, equipped with panic buttons, and comply with labour standards. They are also prohibited from dismissing sex workers who refuse clients or specific acts.
The new law offers them access to health insurance, annual vacation, and maternity leave, which is a significant advancement in their rights.
However, the law only applies to sex workers who sign formal employment contracts. Those who are self-employed, or involved in pornography and striptease, are excluded.
Despite this, Belgium’s approach stands apart globally, with no other country offering such comprehensive labour rights to sex workers.
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