To be clear, we are not necessarily asking for specific standards. Decriminalization would provide us with access to the same standards as other workers.
If you work in a community organization or for government, for example, and you don't get paid, you are protected by labour standards, you can file a complaint and there is a process. When you're in a criminal environment, the only option you have is the police, who will shut down your workplace and seize the money you're owed anyway. That's when the violence can escalate. That's why there's violence in any criminalized industry. People have to brace themselves and be wary of everyone around them.
So, labour standards and other related programs, such as employment insurance, would ensure our ability to use administrative levers rather than repressive ones.