Formula 1 is finally set to return to action this weekend for the fifth round of the season in Montreal, but the Canadian event is already making headlines for reasons unrelated to cars or drivers.
According to reports from The Straits Times, a group of exotic dancers has announced strike action timed to coincide with the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. The initiative is intended to put pressure on venue owners to improve workers’ rights, at a time when millions of eyes will be on Montreal for Formula 1’s return.
The date reportedly chosen by the organising committee is Saturday, when the Sprint session is scheduled to take place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Speaking about the decision, representatives explained their reasoning in detail: “We believe the Grand Prix is the best time to take action. Venues are at peak attendance, making this the most profitable period of the year for our boss. This is our opportunity to put that revenue at risk and hit them where it hurts the most. During this period, despite management earning more, dancers are forced to deal with a series of new rules, increased bar fees, overbooking, and generally worse working conditions.”
Financial concerns at the centre of the dispute
Bar fees have become a major focus of the dispute, with the group previously presenting figures to illustrate the financial burden placed on its members.
According to SWAC, one Montreal venue charged 110 Canadian dollars per night across the five nights of Formula 1-related events last year. With an average of 60 dancers working each evening, the business reportedly generated approximately 33,000 Canadian dollars purely from those fees.
SWAC argues that the current legal classification of workers gives venue owners excessive control.
“The reality is that we are clearly trapped in a power dynamic between employer and employee, and the commission-based payment model benefits only the employers.”
Safety and working conditions also raised
The group also expanded its criticism to include overbooking and workplace safety concerns.
“In reality, they have every incentive to schedule as many dancers as possible each night in order to maximise profits. As for our safety, our employers show very little concern and leave us to fend for ourselves.”
The group further argues that although dancers are officially classified as self-employed workers, they are still required to comply with specific schedules, dress requirements, and workplace rules, while being denied the protections and benefits that typically come with employee status.
Speaking to the Montreal Gazette, Celeste Ivy said: “Because we are not considered employees, we do not have access to the protections that other workers would normally receive.”
Formula 1 weekend under an unexpected spotlight
While the Canadian Grand Prix is expected to deliver the usual on-track drama, the planned strike adds an unusual off-track talking point to Formula 1’s Montreal weekend.
With global attention focused on the city, the protest organisers appear determined to use the visibility of the Formula 1 event to amplify their message and push for change.
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