The Raiders have "dramatically increased the wages and improved the working conditions" of their cheerleader squad, the Raiderettes, "half a year after being slapped with a wage theft lawsuit by two former cheerleaders," according to Robin Abcarian of the L.A. TIMES. The contract presented by the Raiders to its '14 cheerleader team shows that the new wages "will more than double the meager amount the team was paying the women who enliven its sidelines, function as team ambassadors and are professional athletes in their own right." The Raiders previously "paid a flat wage of $125 per game, payable in a lump sum at the end of each season." From now on, the women "will earn $9 per hour, plus overtime." The team has also said that it will "pay the cheerleaders not just for games, but for every practice, rehearsal and charity appearance, as well." In addition, it will "reimburse cheerleaders for business expenses (like uniform cleaning and travel costs, though not personal grooming), and will issue paychecks every two weeks." It is "unclear what effect the Raiders’ action will have on the other cheerleader lawsuits" facing NFL teams (L.A. TIMES, 7/10).
