Quote:
OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders have agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle a lawsuit alleging they failed to pay their cheerleaders minimum wage.
The team and attorneys for the cheerleaders released a statement Thursday announcing the settlement. The two sides will seek approval of the deal in Alameda County Superior Court on Sept. 26.
The settlement covers 90 Raiderettes who worked for the team from 2010 to '13.
The proposal calls for each cheerleader to be paid an average of $6,000 for each season worked from 2010 to '12, and $2,500 for the 2013 season to cover unpaid expenses and minimum wage. The Raiders raised their pay in 2013, leading to the smaller settlement for that season.
The team and attorneys for the cheerleaders released a statement Thursday announcing the settlement. The two sides will seek approval of the deal in Alameda County Superior Court on Sept. 26.
The settlement covers 90 Raiderettes who worked for the team from 2010 to '13.
The proposal calls for each cheerleader to be paid an average of $6,000 for each season worked from 2010 to '12, and $2,500 for the 2013 season to cover unpaid expenses and minimum wage. The Raiders raised their pay in 2013, leading to the smaller settlement for that season.
So by my estimate, considering most lawyers take 40% off the top, these gals got a pool of $750,000 between 90 women, roughly working out to $8333 each.*
While 8k is nothing to sneeze at, it's not really a whole hell of a lot either. Certainly not in the scope of a 1.25M settlement. I've always considered most lawsuits as trivial, and have held the personal belief that resorting to lawyering up on things just seems like bad ju-ju.
Is it worth it? I gotta think that there's some bad press involved, perhaps even a few burnt bridges and a black mark of sorts on your reputation. I know it's California, which is sue-happy anyways, but still...
You'd think gals hot enough and talented enough to make it on a Pro-team cheerleader squad could find easier ways to get some quick cash. You know, like hooking up with a rich guy or something.
*I am not an accountant, so take that for what you will.