It seems like the words Atlanta and ‘Stripper’ go hand in hand these days…. especially in light of songs like Usher’s ‘I Don’t Mind’ ft Juicy J where crooner proclaims that since he was ‘raised in the ‘A” he doesn’t mind if you dance on the pole (cause that don’t make you a ho)…. but I digress.
[FLASHBACK: For Discussion: Is Stripping a Recession Proof Profession?]
Stripping in Atlanta can be quite lucrative with it being the new ‘hip-hop’ capital of the world and many Strippers take great pains to ensure that their jobs are secure.
Over the years, several local clubs have been sued by exotic dancers including Magic City, Tattletale Lounge, Pin Ups and Pleasers. Last January, a federal judge ruled that strippers at Pin Ups were employees, not independent contractors, and were entitled to a minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
[FLASHBACK: Pregnant Stripper Files ‘Unlawful Termination’ Lawsuit… ]
Now two more Atlanta strippers have filed lawsuits against their club owners concerning their wages.
Details below…
According to the AJC, Brandy Mizner-Klearman and Suzette Maxey filed suit against Doll House II and their supervisor, Theo Lambros, in U.S. District Court in Atlanta.
The two ladies said they worked for tips only at Stilettos Gentlemen’s Club on Marietta St. N.W. in Atlanta, a club owned by ‘Doll House II’ and that they were also required to kick back some of their earnings to pay for their security, the DJ and the house mom.
“The business model for much of the industry is contrary to the Fair Labor Standards minimum wage and overtime requirements,” said Charles Bridgers, an attorney with DeLong Caldwell Bridgers Fitzpatrick, the Atlanta firm representing the dancers.
DUH… really? Now correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t stripping a profession where you have to ‘shake your ass’ for some cash?? How can there be a minimum wage associated with making it rain?
“The Onyx decision was the case that got everyone’s attention,” Bridgers said.
FYI in 2009, popular Atlanta strip club Onyx, was also sued over wages. The case was settled with 73 dancers being paid a total of $1.55 million, according to court records.
The latest lawsuit states that “At all times … defendants intentionally and willfully misclassified plaintiffs as independent contractors.”
Legal experts say the distinction between determining whether a worker is an “independent contractor” or an “employee” turns on factors including how much control the employer wields over the worker, how much the employer determines the worker’s income, and the permanency of the relationship between the parties.
Another key factor, Bridgers said, is “how integral the service rendered is to the business. In the case of adult night clubs, it is their entire reason for existing.”
Mizner-Klearman and Maxey began working for Doll House II in 2013. They are seeking compensation including unpaid wages due them, plus legal costs.
Yes… strippers are people too but how are they trying to impose regulations on all that CASH? I think these few ‘low paid’ strippers are going to mess it up for the rest of y’all… but that’s nunna my business tho.