The Trade Union Organising of Sex Workers in Germany: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities

Over the past two decades, there have been attempts to organise sex workers intrade unions in Germany. Still, it is a complex and challenging issue, as they are often affected by stigmatisation and discrimination and have difficulties representing and protecting their interests. This article analyses the challenges and opportunities of organising sex workers in Germany, a country that is at the centre of public debate on prostitution and its regulation due to its current discussions about a possible ban on the purchase of sex. It is based on two case studies as initial findings from a doctoral project in which qualitative interviews with sex workers were conducted and analysed. The results show that sex workers in Germany are affected by a variety of challenges, such as stigmatisation, isolation, and segregation. The entanglement of different power relations makes collective organising more difficult. However, the unionisation of sex workers offers a range of opportunities and perspectives in the fight for fair working conditions – for example, in wage negotiations and rent controls. The article shows that the trade union organisation of sex workers in Germany can play an essential role in representing the interests of sex workers.