The second season of America’s Sweethearts, a Netflix documentary series, has ended on a triumphant note for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, with the dancers securing a “life-changing” 400% pay increase. The new rate will not only boost their hourly wages but also provide additional compensation for appearances outside of cheering at Cowboys’ games.
The season’s conclusion marks a significant milestone in the cheerleaders’ long-standing fight for fair pay. Over seven episodes, the series delves into the grueling audition process and the intense boot camp that select dancers undergo to make the team. The show highlights how even experienced veterans face rejection and must re-audit for a spot.
Advocating for fair pay proved crucial in securing the increases, according to Jada McLean, a five-year veteran who helped lead negotiations. Speaking with TIME, she stated that the series’ existence played a significant role in their success, bringing attention to the dancers’ struggles and pushing them to speak up more assertively.
The show provides an inside look at how the cheerleaders made their case for better pay, including consultations with alumni family members, meetings with HR and legal teams, and Zoom calls with team veterans. Some dancers considered staging a walkout or leaving the team in protest, but ultimately decided not to follow through due to concerns about disappointing fans.
The season’s conclusion comes as no surprise, given the cheerleaders’ dedication and hard work. As Jada McLean noted, “We’re true athletes. We’re women who are successful outside of the uniforms.” The show aims to give viewers a greater appreciation for the challenges faced by the dancers and inspire others to speak up in their own jobs, advocating for fair pay and better working conditions.
Source: https://time.com/7295238/dallas-cowboys-cheerleaders-pay-raise