I don't support prostitution, but I think the people involved in it are hurt by society labelling them as prostitutes and hookers. Most people think the practice is sinful, and that coupled with cultural misogyny causes a "hate the sin, hate the sinner" effect. If bad things happen to prostitutes, it's easy to ignore it. Though the term "sex worker" may legitimize the work to some degree, I think it mainly serves to legitimize the worker. It takes the focus off the job and onto the fact that it's describing a human being. And it's not like work and exploitation are distinct from each other. I could make a comparison to the people who work in diamond mines, being exposed to dust that tears up their lungs.

link illustrates a way that the term is used to demand respect for the people discussed.

I don't have a problem with prostitution. What i don't like is pimps (is that the right word..? English isn't my first language..) because they take advantage of women, women who most often don't want to do this kind of job.
But i don't have a problem with prostitutes without a pimp, women who like the sex industry, and like their job, even if it can seem odd to some people, some women (not a lot...) actually enjoy it.