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NEW YORK (AP) - A federal judge has ruled that exotic dancers at a New York City strip club are protected by labor laws and entitled to be paid at least a minimum wage.
The ruling came Tuesday in a class-action lawsuit brought by current and former dancers at Rick's Cabaret in midtown Manhattan.
The lawsuit charged that the strippers were denied wages and required to pay a variety of fees to the club.
The club had argued that the dancers were independent contractors.
But Judge Paul Engelmayer ruled that the dancers were the "main attraction" at the club and integral to its success.
Rick's Cabaret International says the ruling will have no impact on the club. It says it plans to appeal.
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