DALLAS – The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are unionizing.
In a landmark decision, the Dallas Cowboys franchise has agreed to recognize the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the collective bargaining representative for one of the most iconic cheerleading squads in professional sports. This significant move comes after years of advocacy by the cheerleaders for improved pay and working conditions.
The joint statement released by both parties emphasized the vital role that the cheerleaders play within the Cowboys organization, stating, “The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are an esteemed part of the Cowboys organization, deeply respected for the talent and dedication they exhibit.” It also noted that they remain one of the most sought-after opportunities for talented dancers worldwide.
The push for better compensation is not new; during the second season of the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” which aired last year, a cheerleader revealed that members had received a remarkable 400% increase in pay. This change follows a significant settlement in 2019, where the Cowboys doubled the per-game pay for cheerleaders to $400 after a lawsuit was filed by a former member regarding unfair working conditions.
Historically, the first cheerleading squad to unionize was the Buffalo Jills, associated with the Buffalo Bills. They secured a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board in 1995, allowing them to form the National Football League Cheerleaders Association. However, the Jills eventually disbanded following a 2014 lawsuit over allegations of unpaid labor and harassment.
Victor Chen, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and an expert in labor issues, commented on the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ successful unionization, noting that their high profile, boosted by the Netflix series, likely played a crucial role in their achievements. He explained, “Without that notoriety, the team may have just tried to replace the cheerleaders because there are so many people willing to take jobs in the entertainment industry at low pay.”
This development highlights ongoing issues of compensation inequality within the entertainment sector, where many individuals are willing to accept low pay for a chance to participate in high-profile performances.
The Dallas Cowboys are recognized as the most valuable professional sports team globally, according to Forbes magazine, which further emphasizes the importance of fair compensation for all team members, including the cheerleaders who contribute significantly to the franchise’s brand and visibility.
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Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.
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