E.D.A. Newsletter #7

______________________________________________________________________________ Issue No. 7 Exotic Dancer’s Alliance Fall 1996


E.D.A. GENERAL INFORMATION



  Exotica Extravaganza, E.D.A.'s first annual benefit on September 26, 1996, was attended by 300-400 guests and raised over $4,000 towards the expansion of current programs and services. A very special thank you to all performers and volunteers!


  Several performers and management from the Mitchell Brother's O'Farrell Theater protested Exotica Extravaganza, shouting that they wanted to be "independent" and opposed any unions.

   Performers at the O'Farrell Theater have recently formed the Independent Dancers Association (I.D.A.) in an attempt to fight the current class action suit against the theater and have also been "encouraged" by management to contribute personal money towards a legal defense fund.

  This will be the third attempt by performers and management to try to intervene as an independent class within the pending law suit; the first two attempts were unsuccessful and the judge has previously made a ruling that prohibits the intervention of a third party in the case.


  On November 4, 1996 the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will review a disclosure statement concerning a proposed reorganization plan for the Bijou Group, Inc.; the reorganization plan will address a system for paying back all creditors, including former and current employees (dancers). If the plan is approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, than all creditors will have an opportunity to vote on the plan which will determine whether or not it will be implemented.


  Sam Conti, President of Bijou Group, Inc., is currently being sued by his former lawyer, Thomas Steel, for unpaid attorney fees in the amount of $300,000+. Steel claims that he has not been paid in full for prior assistance with both Coconut Grove and Bijou Group, Inc.


  A former employee of Market Street Cinema, recently filed a claim with the Employment Development Department after being terminated from employment and is now receiving unemployment benefits. The EDD has recognized the March 1994 Labor Commission ruling which states that all house dancers are employees; therefore, any dancer who is fired from adult entertainment theaters in S.F. is entitled to unemployment benefits based on the above ruling.


  The Labor Commission recently ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the wage and hour claim against the Crazy Horse Theater; the former dancer is entitled to the payment of back wages as well as the return of her paid "stage fees" during the time of her employment with the theater.


  Negotiations for a contract between employees and management at the Lusty Lady will begin on October 28, 1996. Employees will be bargaining for job security, health benefits, guaranteed shifts & raises, paid time off for vacation & illness, grievance and discrimination policies. Management has temporarily agreed to implement and uphold a grievance policy upon the withdrawal of NLRB unfair labor practices complaints previously filed by various employees and S.E.I.U. during union elections. Shop Seward elections will be held after negotiations have begun.

INSIDE FOCUS

JADE SPIN: a song for nude dancers.

Praising Isadora Duncan and her heirs

It's Isadora's dance we see, "I dance the rising of the sun. "I dance for Eve, and for Kali, As naked as can be. I dance the stars for fun. For all who will be free.

But is this dancer's dance all done? I dance to fly, I dance to run. I dance my planet, sea to sea.

"I never stop," says she. "I never stop," says she. I never stop," says she.

"I always dance," says she. "I always dance," says she. "I always dance," says she.

[Anonymous, September 1996

CALENDAR BAY AREA RESOURCES EDA HOME


Exotic Dancer's Alliance currently has a six month internship available which provides training and a monthly stipend; students may also receive course credits for work accomplished. Interested individuals may contact E.D.A. at (415) 995-4745.

If you would like to be listed in the announcements section of our next newsletter, please contact E.D.A.