Chippendales Dancers File to Unionize With Actors' Equity

LAS VEGAS—The Chippendales Dancers at the Rio Hotel & Casino have filed to unionize through the union Actors' Equity Association (commonly called Equity). According to a press statement published by Equity, the unionization effort is focused on upholding wages and working conditions.  “We love Chippendales and value being a part of this incredible institution,” said members of the all-male revue, via the Equity press statement. “But we also believe our situation here isn’t keeping up with industry standards," they added. "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." Equity filed the petition for representation with the local National Labor Relations Board region. They've petitioned for a voluntary election and notified the employer. “The entire Las Vegas Equity community is thrilled to welcome the Chippendales into our ranks,” said Marci Skolnick, Equity's local organizer in Las Vegas. The union maintains that these performers have "wages and benefits ... [that] lag significantly" behind other entertainment offerings in Las Vegas, including revues. “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," added the organizing performers. Skolnick added, "Actors’ Equity Association is here to help the Chippendales get union contracts, complete with union benefits, that will enable them to make a real living doing what they do best. Our entertainers make Las Vegas a world-class destination. Union membership reminds the world that our entertainers are world class.” Actors' Equity Association has worked to organize erotic dancers before, including performers at the world-famous Star Garden in North Hollywood, Calif., that drew international news headlines, including the Associated Press wire service. Labor efforts have been or are currently underway in other cities and states to permit unionization and fight for labor protections afforded to other professions. For example, in 2014, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that dancers at Las Vegas adult clubs are technically employees and are entitled to minimum wage and other protections.  Dancers in Portland, Ore., have long been on the frontline in organizing and voting to unionize and demand better wages, working conditions, and protections. Over the past two years, Actors' Equity has made consistent results for union recognition, including for the characters and parades departments staff at Disneyland.