Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders unionize after years of fighting for higher pay

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have decided to form a union after fighting for higher pay for years. The NFL team has recognized the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the collective bargaining representative for this renowned cheer squad, according to a joint statement released on Friday. This development comes after the cheerleaders have been advocating for pay raises throughout the years.

The statement highlighted that the cheerleaders are "esteemed members of the Cowboys organization," known for their talent and commitment. They remain among the most sought-after opportunities for talented dancers globally. During the second season of the Netflix series "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," a cheerleader revealed that members experienced a 400% increase in pay.

In 2019, the Cowboys settled a lawsuit filed by a former cheerleader, which led to a doubling of the per-game pay for members to $400. The first cheerleading squad to unionize was the Buffalo Jills, who secured a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board in 1995 to form the National Football League Cheerleaders Association. Unfortunately, the squad disbanded in 2014 after a lawsuit filed by former members who claimed they worked numerous hours for free and experienced inappropriate behavior.

According to Victor Chen, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor who studies labor issues as a sociologist, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were aided by their high profile and the Netflix show. Without such recognition, the team might have simply replaced the cheerleaders, as there are numerous individuals eager to join the entertainment industry at low pay.

Chen pointed out that in artistic or entertainment fields, inequality in compensation is often seen due to a high number of people vying for positions and being either unpaid or poorly paid.