Cowboys recognize union representing team’s cheerleaders
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association will represent the squad in collective bargaining, according to the Associated Press.
The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to recognize a union for their cheerleading squad, according to the Associated Press. The decision establishes the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Association as the group’s representative in negotiations with the team.
In a statement, the union described the cheerleaders as respected members of the Cowboys organization and said the squad continues to attract dancers from around the world.
The recognition follows years of disputes involving NFL cheerleaders over compensation and alleged misconduct. The Buffalo Jills became the first NFL cheerleading squad to form a union in 1995. They disbanded in 2014 after a lawsuit was filed alleging breaches of New York’s minimum-wage laws.
The Cowboys also faced civil claims involving their cheerleaders. In 2022, longtime public relations executive Rich Dalrymple resigned amid allegations that he had secretly filmed squad members changing clothes. Four cheerleaders received US$2.4 million in a settlement of civil claims stemming from the incident.
