In a significant move within the realm of professional cheerleading, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) recently voted to unionise, joining the ranks of labour organisations within the National Football League (NFL). This landmark decision has reignited discussions about fair compensation and working conditions for cheerleaders, drawing attention to the ongoing struggles faced by those in the profession.
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The DCC’s decision to unionise comes after years of activism aimed at securing better wages and working conditions for its members. In a joint statement released by the team and the newly formed Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association, they expressed their commitment to the dancers, acknowledging their talent and hard work. “The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are an esteemed part of the Cowboys organisation, deeply respected for the talent and dedication they exhibit,” the statement read.
This move follows heightened public scrutiny over the compensation of cheerleaders, particularly after the popular Netflix series, “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” aired. The series brought to light the contractual negotiations between the cheerleaders and the Cowboys organisation, spotlighting the struggles many members faced, often balancing their cheerleading roles with full-time employment to make ends meet. Following the programme’s second season, the dancers successfully negotiated a substantial pay increase from £15 an hour to £75, reflecting the challenges they navigated over the years.
While the DCC’s decision has garnered significant media attention, it is important to note that they are not the first cheer squad in the NFL to unionise. The Buffalo Jills, who cheered for the Buffalo Bills, made history in 1995 as the first cheerleading squad to do so under the National Labor Relations Board. Founded in 1967 by Jo Ann Gaulin, the Buffalo Jills remained active until their disbandment in 2022, a decision influenced by a major lawsuit.
The legal proceedings surrounding the Buffalo Jills began in 2014 when a group of five former members filed a lawsuit alleging improper compensation for the hours they worked. The ensuing legal battle ultimately led to the suspension of the squad’s operations. In a settlement that was reached, Cumulus Media, which had acquired a primary sponsor of the Jills, agreed to a payout of £4 million in stock to the plaintiffs, while the Buffalo Bills contributed £3.5 million, without admitting any wrongdoing.
The Buffalo Jills’ journey serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities that cheerleaders face within the industry. Their disbandment highlighted ongoing issues concerning fair treatment and proper wages, issues that cheerleaders across the league are compelled to navigate even today.
The current climate within the NFL for cheerleaders has shifted markedly in recent years, and the DCC’s decision to unionise marks a pivotal moment in the struggle for equitable treatment. While both the Jills and the DCC have faced their own sets of challenges, the DCC’s recent organisational structure shows promise as they strive for improved working conditions.
With the DCC becoming the second NFL cheerleading squad to unionise, it remains to be seen how this decision will influence other cheer teams across the country, some of which continue to operate without any form of collective bargaining. As the landscape of cheerleading evolves, the potential for greater recognition and improved rights for cheerleaders gains momentum, suggesting that the conversation around labour rights in professional sports is far from over.
As the NFL enters a new season, eyes will be on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to see how their newly formed union will advocate for its members, negotiate contracts, and secure fair wages in an industry that has often overlooked the rights of cheerleaders. The impact of these developments will likely resonate beyond the DCC, especially as more cheerleading squads consider similar paths.