A first-of-its-kind labor action argues that participants of Netflix’s reality show Love is Blind are employees and should be eligible for basic labor protections under federal laws.
In its complaint, the National Labor Relations Board found the show’s producers misclassified the contestants as participants. The complaint calls for their reclassification as employees and compensation for lost wages while on the show.
- The labor action filed could lead to big changes to reality shows — on and off screen. If contestants are recognized as employees, it would allow them to form or join a union.
- The complaint comes after several former contestants on the show described poor treatment they faced while filming, including allegations their physical safety was at risk.
- The path to an industry-wide reality TV union is an uphill battle, according to author Brian Moylan. He says turnover levels on most unscripted shows present a barrier for castmates to band together. Contestants can be seen as disposable to casting directors and producers.
- A hearing for the NLRB complaint is scheduled for April 2025. A judge will decide if the production companies violated labor law.
I doubt that reality show participants will end up classified as employees. They’re usually on a show for one season (at most). Plus, President elect Trump will replace the general counsel of the NLRB and his pick will drop this case quickly. The NLRB will become employer-friendly and quite anti-union.
Regardless, in California you’re still protected.
California has strong equal pay laws that prohibit employers from paying employees less than co-workers of a different sex or race for similar work.
Despite California’s strong equal pay laws, studies estimate that women in California lose a combined $87 billion a year due to the gender wage gap. The gap is widest for Latina, Black, and Native American women.
If you think you’re experiencing discrimination in your employment or you’ve complained and are now experiencing retaliation for complaining, call the Law Offices of Lauren Abrams for a free consultation.