Bills’ Cheerleaders Sue for Wages

The Buffalo Bills’ cheerleaders filed suit Tuesday against the National Football League for what they claim is an unfair wage system. They join the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders’ cheerleaders, who also sued the league this year over improper compensation. Known as the Buffalo Jills, the Buffalo squad say it works hundreds of hours for free under a system that wrongly classifies them as independent contractors and violates the state’s $8-an-hour minimum-wage rule. They say they are not reimbursed for travel and other expenses, and are subjected to “degrading sexual comments and inappropriate touching” at promotional events. With personal costs, one cheerleader said in a press conference that she estimated she made just $105 during the 2012-2013 season.