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Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders secure historic 400% pay raise after long fight for fairness
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, often hailed as "America's Sweethearts," achieved a landmark victory with a 400% pay increase, marking a turning point in their fight for equitable compensation. This triumph, captured in the second season of Netflix’s documentary series America's Sweethearts, sheds light on the struggles and persistence of the iconic cheerleading team.
A hard-fought victory
The climactic moment of the series, which premiered on June 18, shows Megan, a veteran cheerleader, announcing the life-changing pay raise. Along with increased hourly wages, the cheerleaders will now earn more for appearances beyond their performances at Dallas Cowboys games. This breakthrough comes after years of financial challenges for many team members, who often had to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Jada McLean, a five-year veteran of the squad and a key advocate during contract negotiations, revealed that the series played a pivotal role in raising public awareness. "Having people see our struggles on the show and speak out on our behalf gave us the courage to demand better," she told TIME.
A history of underpayment
While exact figures from the new contracts remain undisclosed, past reports highlighted stark inequities. In 2022, NBC Boston reported that cheerleaders earned between $15 and $20 an hour, with game-day pay at $500 and annual earnings averaging $75,000. This was an improvement from a 2019 settlement that raised hourly wages from $8 to $12 and doubled game-day compensation to $400. However, the latest raise represents a significant leap forward.
The series documents the financial strain many cheerleaders endured. Armani, a fifth-year veteran, relies on a separate job to cover her expenses, while Kleine, a four-year team member, works four different jobs during the Cowboys' season. Megan, another veteran, summed up the reality: "Spray tans and hair styling are part of the job, but they don’t pay my rent or student loans."
Behind the scenes of the fight
The cheerleaders’ journey toward fair pay was marked by determination and careful strategy. Early last summer, McLean and her teammates began consulting legal experts, including family members of alumni, to explore their options. Meetings with the Cowboys’ HR and legal teams followed, though these behind-the-scenes negotiations were not shown in the series.
Veterans like Amanda voiced their frustrations during team meetings. "It broke my heart to hear how we were being spoken about," she said during a Zoom call featured in the series. At one point, the team even considered a walkout. However, McLean explained that their commitment to fans ultimately kept them on the sidelines: "We didn’t want to let down those who supported us."
Judy Trammell, a choreographer for the team, acknowledged the tension, saying, "A walkout would make me nervous, but I understand people need to fight for change."
A legacy of empowerment
While the cheerleaders succeeded in securing better pay, McLean will not return to the squad. She cited the heavy workload and a desire for a more flexible schedule. Reflecting on the experience, she emphasized the broader impact of their fight, hoping it will inspire other women to advocate for their rights in the workplace.
"We’re not just pretty faces shaking pom-poms," McLean said. "We’re athletes and women who succeed beyond the uniform."
The series not only celebrates this victory but also underscores the dedication and resilience of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, whose fight for fairness leaves a legacy for future generations.