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Netflix Series Shines Light on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Fight for Fair Pay

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

The glitz and glamour of NFL cheerleading just got a real-world economic makeover. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have successfully secured a groundbreaking 400% pay raise after years of earning minimal wages, a victory highlighted in the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts”.

Formerly earning around $15 per hour, veteran cheerleaders could now make over $75 an hour, marking a significant step towards pay equity in professional sports entertainment. Jada McLean, who led the pay raise effort before retiring from the squad, exemplified the dancers’ struggle, juggling her cheerleading role with the financial challenges of earning minimal compensation.

The Netflix series played a crucial role in bringing widespread attention to the systemic issue of low wages for NFL cheerleaders. Viewers and fans alike began questioning why these skilled performers, who contribute significantly to team branding and entertainment, were compensated so poorly compared to players who earn millions annually.

This isn’t the first time the cheerleaders have fought for better wages. In 2018, a class-action lawsuit filed by former cheerleader Erica Wilkins resulted in a modest pay increase from $8 to $12 per hour. The recent Netflix series reignited the conversation, ultimately leading to a more substantial wage adjustment.

Charlotte Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, acknowledged the historical cynicism surrounding cheerleader compensation, noting that many dancers are motivated by passion rather than financial gain. However, the pay raise represents a meaningful recognition of their professional dedication and athletic skill.

The cheerleaders’ victory highlights a broader conversation about labor rights, gender equity, and fair compensation in professional sports entertainment. By leveraging media attention and collective advocacy, these performers have demonstrated the power of visibility and organized effort in challenging long-standing workplace inequities.

As the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders continue to inspire and entertain, their recent pay raise serves as a powerful reminder that talent, hard work, and persistence can drive meaningful change in any industry.

AUTHOR: cgp

SOURCE: NBC Bay Area

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