AB 202: Let’s Make NFL Cheerleaders Employees!
Hello, dear readers!
So, this weekend was the big game, huh? Did you notice those ladies with the pom-poms and the uniforms cheering their teams on? For those that watched the Super Bowl, it must have been so frustrating to try to focus on the game while that nagging question kept scratching at your brain… are those cheerleaders employees or independent contractors?
Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez has introduced AB 202, which would have NFL Cheerleaders provided “all of the rights and benefits afforded to its employees under this code, regardless of the terms and conditions under which the cheerleader performs.”
Now, as we all recall from School House Rock, a bill has a long way to go before it becomes law…
It’s no secret how your humble blogger feels about any efforts to infringe upon the right of reasonable parties to enter into contract. The suggestion that a cheerleader, or any other reasonably intelligent adult, cannot negotiate the terms under which services are exchanged for money is a little silly. We all negotiate for the things we want and need every day.
The effect this would have, though limited in scope, reflects a further lack of understanding in the California Legislature as to the problems plaguing California’s economy, and, although it seems unlikely that too many of California pro-sports teams will leave, the same though process will continue to drive other employers away.
Cheer!
Love, love, love your comment that the bill “reflects a further lack of understanding in the California Legislature as to the problems plaguing California’s economy.” Regardless of whether or not the bill passes, the impact one way or the other will have a negligible impact on the California workers’ compensation system and even less of an impact on the California economy. Yet, the legislature will have to expend time and resources on whether or not to pass a bill to mandate coverage for workers’ compensation benefits a few dozen cheerleaders for a seasonable part-time gig that probably enhances their modeling and dancing careers. One might wish that the legislators will turn their minds to the critical issues facing California. and enjoy NFL football on Sundays without micromanaging the cheerleader coverage issue.