http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...lawsuits-jills-raiderettes-minimum-wage-women
But as much as they are valued as a business bonus, cheerleaders have for the most part received little more than recognition for the hundreds of hours they put into their game day preparation, performances, and the many different events they attend on behalf of the NFL teams they represent.
The Raiderettes last week were awarded a $1.25 million settlement on back wages owed to members of the Raiders cheerleading team. Under the terms of their previous agreement, the cheerleaders made less than $5 an hour.
Under their new agreement, they will be paid $9 an hour. Four NFL teams (Cincinnati, Buffalo, Tampa Bay and New York (Jets) are still dealing with cheerleader-related lawsuits.
The Bengals, Buccaneers and Jets all have cheerleading teams, but the Bills disbanded the Jills in May after the Jills filed their lawsuit. When the Bills play the Dolphins in Buffalo's home opener Sunday, it will be for the first time since 1967 without the Jills.
In their filing, Buffalo’s cheerleaders contend they were asked to work 16 hours or more during the NFL season and for all of their efforts, were given a parking pass to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Ben-Gals were paid $45 a game, well below minimum wage when the hours of unpaid practice time is factored in.