The Chippendales Are Unionizing!
“We love Chippendales and value being a part of this incredible institution,” the dancers coordinating the union effort told The Hollywood Reporter. “But we also believe our situation here isn’t keeping up with industry standards."
Photo: Getty Images EntertainmentLatest UnionsThis just in, folks: The Chippendale dancers are preparing to tell their bosses to pony on up. No, I’m not talking about the Ginuwine kind of pony. I mean, they’re moving forward with a historic effort to earn a bit more than some wrinkled bills from a bachelorette party (or a group of Mormon moms-turned-TikTokers-turned-reality stars).
On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the famous dancers were seeking to unionize with Actors’ Equity Association, which has recently been expanding their representation of 51,000 professional actors and stage managers on Broadway. The entirely male revue, based out of the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, said they’re seeking higher wages and benefits.
“We love Chippendales and value being a part of this incredible institution,” the dancers coordinating the union effort told the publication. “But we also believe our situation here isn’t keeping up with industry standards. In order to continue providing the world-class entertainment that has always been the Chippendales’ calling card, we need to have a world-class workplace—and that means fair pay, decent benefits, safety and accountability.”
“We believe a union contract will guarantee that everyone, dancers and management, has a shared understanding of the expectations and requirements necessary to continue providing the high production value, high-quality experience the Chippendales brand is known for–both onstage and off,” the dancers added.
The Actors’ Equity Association has asked the suits behind the Chippendales—a group of investors that reportedly include Kevin Denberg and Bryan Cheatham, a former dancer—for voluntary recognition. The union also filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election. If voluntary recognition is granted, the union will then withdraw the NLRB petition.