If the Buffalo Jills cheerleaders have to live by a strict code of conduct that dictates their appearance, eating habits — and even how they use feminine products — then they also have the right to sue their football team over lousy pay, a New York state judge ruled.
The Buffalo Bills had argued that the cheerleaders had no labor rights under state law because they were “independent contractors,” not employees.
Erie County Judge Timothy Drury disagreed, saying there was nothing “independent” about an official rulebook that governs the women’s personal and professional lives down to their underwear.
A section of the cheerleaders’ 2013-14 handbook titled “General hygiene & lady body maintenance” includes the instruction, “Intimate areas: Never use a deodorant or chemically enhanced product. Simple nondeodorant soap will help maintain the right PH balance.”
The book also tells the grown women to replace their tampons “at least every four hours” when menstruating.
“Always shower after a workout and change undergarments, the guide says, adding “Don’t use lufa’s [sic] or sponges. They hold TONS of germs! Throw them away now!”
As for their public appearances, the cheerleaders must wear their “hair in a glamorous style with no clips or tie-backs.”
The list goes on with a suggested nightly routine: “Remove makeup every night before going to bed!” A dirty face leads to breakouts and wrinkles, the handbook warns.
The women should also watch their tongues: “Say ‘oh my goodness’ instead of ‘Oh my God.’ ”
As if that wasn’t enough, there are more than two pages of dining rules including: “Do not overeat bread in a formal setting.”
Such strict guidelines mean the women were treated as employees, the judge found in the ruling that allows the cheerleaders to sue as a group instead of individually.
“This is huge,” said Christopher Marlborough, an attorney for the cheerleaders.
The women made no more than $1,800 a season while the team rakes in $256 million in yearly revenue, the case states.
The Bills plan to appeal the ruling, according to a spokesperson.