SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown has approved legislation recognizing California's professional cheerleaders as employees who are entitled to minimum wage and overtime.
The Democratic governor announced Wednesday that he signed AB202, requiring that sports teams employ cheerleaders as workers instead of contractors. It provides them with sick leave and overtime pay, as well as other labor protections available to team staff.
The law, which will take effect in 2016, is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation. A similar bill in New York is pending.
Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez introduced the bill after Oakland Raiderette cheerleaders filed a wage-theft lawsuit.