Oregon strippers lobby state lawmakers for better work conditions

Around the country, strippers have stepped up their fight for better working conditions.

Some are suing. Others have filed complaints with state regulators. A handful have unionized.

But in Oregon, home to fierce free speech protections and a robust strip club scene, the dancers are taking a different approach. They're working directly with state lawmakers and even professional lobbyists to win workplace improvements.

The dancers say they're too often subjected to rules imposed by well-meaning outsiders, so they're glad to have a voice in the Legislature. A group of dancers convened by social workers meets regularly to discuss improvements.

The strippers are seeking small changes: A mandate that clubs post information about the rights of dancers, with a hotline they can call to report abuses.

Club owners worry they'll have to foot the bill.

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Follow AP writer Jonathan J. Cooper at http://twitter.com/jjcooper .