The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix could be overshadowed by an unusual protest. Sex workers in Montreal are up in arms in an effort to secure better working conditions, and they are prepared to use the race as a platform for their demonstrations.
They have announced a service strike to coincide with the Grand Prix — “the most lucrative period of the year” for adult venues due to the large influx of local and international visitors, according to the Sex Workers’ Autonomous Committee of Montreal (SWAC).
The group is calling for improved working conditions in strip clubs and massage parlors, official recognition of sex workers as employees, and access to government benefits. To amplify their protest, they are urging F1 fans to support the strike and boycott the Grand Prix, which will take place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve from May 22 to 24.
The sex workers’ statement
“We believe the Grand Prix is the best time to strike. Clubs are at their busiest, making it the most profitable period of the year. This is our opportunity to threaten those revenues and hit where it hurts most. During this time, even though management earns more money, dancers have to deal with a new set of rules, higher bar fees, overstaffing, and generally worse working conditions,” SWAC said.
“The reality is that we are clearly trapped in an employer-employee power dynamic, and the bar fee model benefits only the bosses. In fact, they have every incentive to bring in as many dancers as possible each night to maximize profits. As for our safety, employers show very little concern and leave us to handle it on our own,” the statement adds.