Belgium has recently made big changes to protect the rights of sex workers. Now, sex workers can have official labor contracts, health insurance, pensions, sick leave, and paid maternity leave. This new law is important because it treats sex work like any other job, giving workers the same protections and benefits. These changes come after Belgium decriminalized sex work in 2022, making it the first country to fully include sex workers under regular labor laws.
According to an article from BBC.com, human rights advocates see these changes as a major step forward in recognizing sex workers as real employees who deserve the same legal rights as others. The article explained that Belgium’s new law is setting an example that goes beyond what countries like Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and Turkey have done. In those countries, sex work is legal, but sex workers do not get the same labor rights.
The new rules came after sex workers held protests in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many sex workers did not have financial support when they needed it most, which showed how vulnerable they were. The new law also sets up better ways to handle violence against sex workers, making sure authorities are more understanding and allowing workers to seek justice without being judged.
Impact on workers and employers
The new law will help sex workers by giving them official employment rights and will also place stricter rules on employers who run brothels and massage parlors.
These businesses will need to follow safety protocols, like putting panic buttons in rooms to make the work environment safer. Employers will also be checked to make sure they do not have serious criminal backgrounds. This aims to get rid of unsafe operators and improve working conditions.
While many people support these changes, there are also critics. Some say that giving sex workers employment rights might make the industry seem more acceptable, even though they believe it is exploitative. They also argue that the need for panic buttons shows that the work is still dangerous. Despite these concerns, the new law is a big shift in how sex work is treated, moving away from criminalization towards regulation. For many sex workers, this law brings hope for better conditions and more respect for their work.
Legal environment in Austria
However, the legal framework of sex work in Austria is different from that in Belgium; it protects both sex workers and customers. Austria, and especially Vienna, has a very diverse sex scene, with numerous brothels and escort agencies.
The best sex clubs are always looking for new girls, and there are many other types of brothels as well, catering to all kinds of client needs and preferences.
Sex workers in Austria are required to have a legal license from the police and must undergo an initial health examination, followed by regular check-ups. They manage their own taxes and health contributions, making them eligible to use Austria’s excellent healthcare system. Additionally, these insured years are counted toward their pension calculations later.
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