The Chippendales dancers are taking significant steps toward unionization by seeking representation from the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), which has been expanding its efforts to represent approximately 51,000 professional actors and stage managers on Broadway and in live theater. This move comes as the dancers aim to secure better wages and improved working conditions within the renowned all-male revue known for its stripteases, which is based at the Rio hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
The Chippendales are not only a staple of Las Vegas entertainment but also tour regularly, performing both domestically and internationally. As they embark on this unionization effort, the dancers expressed their commitment to maintaining the high standards of entertainment that the Chippendales brand is known for. “We love Chippendales and value being a part of this incredible institution,” said the dancers leading the initiative. “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.”
The call for unionization reflects a growing trend among performers in various entertainment sectors seeking better labor conditions. To facilitate this effort, Actors’ Equity has asked the Chippendales’ employer for voluntary recognition of the union. Additionally, they have filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct an election. Should voluntary recognition be granted, the union will withdraw its petition with the NLRB, allowing for a smoother path toward formal union representation.
This recent move follows the successful unionization of two strip clubs, Magic Tavern in Portland and Star Garden in Los Angeles, by Actors’ Equity. The union has expanded its representation beyond traditional theater roles, advocating for various entertainment professions. In recent years, AEA has successfully won representation for different groups, including characters and parade departments at Disneyland, planetarium lecturers in Los Angeles, and members of Drunk Shakespeare companies.
The push for unionization within the Chippendales has garnered support from the local Equity community in Las Vegas. Marci Skolnick, a leader within the local Equity chapter, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the dancers into the union. “The entire Las Vegas Equity community is thrilled to welcome the Chippendales into our ranks,” Skolnick stated. “The recent victory by the Culinary Workers Union, who successfully unionized the hospitality workers up and down the entire Strip, proves that Las Vegas is, and always has been, a union town. 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.”
The dancers’ decision to seek unionization aligns with a broader movement among performers in various sectors of the entertainment industry. Many performers have increasingly voiced concerns about fair wages, job security, and workplace safety. By aligning with Actors’ Equity, the Chippendales hope to benefit from the union’s resources, advocacy, and bargaining power.
Brooke Shields, who took over as president of Actors’ Equity Association in late May, is leading the union’s efforts to expand representation to a wider array of entertainment professionals. Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the unionization process for the Chippendales dancers.
ADVERTISEMENT
The ongoing efforts by the Chippendales dancers to unionize may set a precedent for other entertainment acts looking to improve their working conditions. As the landscape of labor relations in the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the unionization of the Chippendales could mark a significant milestone in the fight for workers’ rights.
