SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Cheerleading isn't just fun in California. It's now a job. Gov. Jerry Brown has approved legislation recognizing California's professional cheerleaders as employees. The cheerleaders are entitled to the minimum wage and overtime pay.

The measure requires sports teams to employ cheerleaders as workers instead of contractors. The cheerleaders will also get sick leave and other labor protections available to team staff members. Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego introduced the bill. Gonzalez, who cheered at Stanford, says many professional cheerleaders are treated like glorified volunteers.

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