<p><a href=“The Shockingly Low Salaries of Professional Cheerleaders - The Atlantic”>The Shockingly Low Salaries of Professional Cheerleaders - The Atlantic;
Where’s the social justice?</p>
<p>Well, no one is forcing them to do this, right? Although I would think a minimum wage would be – the minimum they should receive.</p>
<p>I find it hard to believe that intelligent capable young women would accept those positions.
Isnt it 2014?
<a href=“http://www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-ra-super-secret-oakland-raider-cheerleaders-handbook-revealed-20140127,0,6648650,full.story#axzz2reBKlIcy”>http://www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-ra-super-secret-oakland-raider-cheerleaders-handbook-revealed-20140127,0,6648650,full.story#axzz2reBKlIcy</a></p>
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<p>No one is forcing them to take the job, but “nobody has to take this job” doesn’t count as a defense for violating labor laws.</p>
<p>No it isnt.
At least their cheerleaders are doing the job they are paid to do.</p>
<p>Perhaps the correct conclusion to reach is that it is not in fact a “job,” but a volunteer position with an honorarium that young women take in order to promote their other interests. </p>
<p>I know a cheerleader for a different professional team, these ladies make a very handsome sum from calendar sales and personal appearances. You would be amazed what appearance fees they are paid. Most of the ladies are doing this to advance their careers in acting, modeling and dancing.</p>
<p>I am not advocating any position just trying to illuminate the issue.</p>
<p>If its a volunteer position, they shouldn’t be fined if they miss a practice or forget their yoga mat.
And benching someone if they gained five lbs?
I have been a volunteer. The organization paid for my travel costs & equipment.
Not so for the cheerleaders.
They do more for the team, than the team does for them, so I dont understand the comment about promoting their own interests.</p>
<p>Why do people feel that not compensating performing artists is perfectly acceptable? D has sung the national anthem for college and professional sports teams. She has always been paid. A few years back, her school asked her to sing the anthem for the graduation ceremony for the School of Engineering. When she asked “how much”, they were rather taken aback. (since it was 0$) To that she asked–“are you paying the guys who set up the risers?” YES." Are you paying the organist?" YES “Are you paying the lighting tech team?” YES. “Then either pay me or find someone else.”
In short: I am a professional. If you want my services…pay up.
The cheerleaders are as much at fault as their “employers”.</p>
<p>No, they don’t make money off the calendars. </p>
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<p>And let’s not forget that the NFL is officially a non-profit agency. The cheerleaders are required to participate in certain events with no compensation. Which would be OK, if they were paid a living wage to begin with and weren’t benched for gaining 5 pounds. </p>
<p><a href=“NFL Cheerleading Is A Scam: A Former Ravens Cheerleader Tells All”>NFL Cheerleading Is A Scam: A Former Ravens Cheerleader Tells All;
<p>A professional cheerleader worked directly for me and I knew a bunch fairly well. They got paid next to nothing and had to spend a ridiculous amount of time. Some were great kids. And some, well, they spent a lot of “time” with the players. (As I type this, I realize I’ve had 2 professional cheerleaders work directly for me. Weird.)</p>
<p>This is not a job. And, yes, the smart ones can make a lot money. Wasn’t Paula Abdul a Raiderette? </p>
<p>I don’t see it as a job either. If the football organization is up front about the compensation and what the cheerleaders are required to do or supply then so be it. With that said, “fining” them would then be contrary to the concept of ‘it’s not a job.’ If it is a job then the cheerleaders should have time sheets and clock in and out and should be compensated at some fixed $ amount. </p>
<p>They’re paid per game and sign a very detailed contract up front spelling out all of their obligations, including required appearances, practices, and penalties. Auditions are quite crowded. </p>
<p>So since they are employed, its important that their employer adheres to federal and state employment law.</p>
<p>I’m sure auditions are crowded for many things - Broadway shows, Disney character people, etc. That doesn’t mean you give away your rights as a worker or your responsibilities as an employer. </p>
<p>Hundreds of people showed up today hoping for 34 new streetcar jobs in DC. Thousands of people sign up to work at any new Walmart. Should they be paid less than minimum wage because of it? </p>
<p>They’re asking to be paid for practice. It’s different. They are not hourly workers. I guess, the point is they signed the contract. They knew the deal. And, it can be a pretty good deal for the right girl. That’s why they show up in the first place.</p>
<p>We’ll see if labor laws were violated or not. There are many jobs and payments that do not meet minimum wage standards. Stipends, per diems, per sessions. </p>
<p>Are they disabled perhaps?
Employees are not allowed to work for less than min wage according to Ca law.</p>
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<a href=“Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions”>http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm</a></p>
<p>No EK, They are not employees of the organization. They are performers working under a contract. Now, they may not like their contract, but that doesn’t make them employees. BTW, most cheerleaders work under the same provisions. Even the DCC. </p>