Football is synonymous with cheerleaders. All 32 National Football League franchises have a team of girls who cheer each Sunday.
Perhaps the most famous group of cheerleaders is the Raiderettes of the Oakland Raiders. However, the future of this squad could be in jeopardy, as the group recently sued the organization for wage theft and unfair employment practices.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, the lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court claims that the team withholds pay until after the season is completed and does not pay for all hours worked. Also, the lawsuit claims that the cheerleaders are forced to pay for business expenses and are charged fines if the wrong poms-poms are brought to practice or the wrong workout clothing is worn to rehearsals.
Wage Theft Prevention Act
If the allegations are true, the Raiders may be in some trouble, as California passed the Wage Theft Prevention Act in the beginning of 2012, which strengthened the state’s labor codes. The following are some of the requirements put in place by the legislation:
Workers have to receive the required notice at the time of hire of the rate of pay, whether it be by the hour, shift, day, week, salary or commission
Regular paydays need to be designated by the employer as required by law
Employers need to inform employees of the intent to claim allowances as part of the minimum wage, such as meals or lodging
With the Oakland Raiders cheerleaders suing the football team, it will be interesting to see if other squads who also feel they are unfairly compensated follow suit. Of course, every situation will be different since wage laws vary on a state-by-state basis, but this could set off a chain reaction among NFL cheerleaders.
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