Last I heard, most porn stars weren’t wearing the union label—or any label for that matter. Sure, the SEIU unionized some strippers (sorry, exotic dancers) several years ago but, by and large, most sex workers are union-free. In fact, it’s pretty rare (though not unheard of) that a porn star ever earns the the claim to SAG membership. This is why the outrage by the wankers at the AFL-CIO over Marriott’s decision to ban pornography in its hotels is so…er…entertaining.
[via The Atlantic]
“When it comes to folks who actually work for a living–and negotiating on their wages, benefits, etc–we always hear the mantra ‘we must maximize revenue and value for the shareholders,'” AFL-CIO spokesman Eddie Vale wrote in a mass e-mail to reporters today. “Interesting how this pillar of corporate philosophy seems to have gone right out the window when it comes to helping their billionaire buddy’s presidential campaign.”
It’s not that the AFL-CIO likes porn on its own merits, according to Vale; rather, it’s the “hypocrisy” of cutting a revenue stream that could be spent on higher wages. UNITE HERE, an AFL-CIO member, represents some Marriott workers.
So, porn pays for wages now? Does the AFL-CIO really want to hang its hat on that?
While the AFL-CIO’s protestation seemingly has to do with Mitt Romney being on the board of Marriott, to have the AFL-CIO—that paragon of virtue wealth redistribution—take offense at the banning of porn does make one wonder whether they’re really just upset over losing all their Marriott points when they opt to stay at hotels where they can spend members’ dues ordering porn along with their room service.
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“I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes.” Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
