9to5: The Story Of A Movement

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

We all know the song. The piano, the unmistakable sound of typewriter keys clicking away and Dolly Parton melodically describing most mornings as we pour a “cup of ambition.” 9 to 5 became famous with a movie, a song and later on down the road a musical. But what inspired 9 to 5 to come to fruition? Prior to making entertainment history, the 9to5 Movement was formed to give working women opportunities to voice their concerns about inequalities in the work industry. And their message inspired a new generation of women to demand better in their jobs.

Originally founded in the early 1970’s by political activist Karen Nussbaum and author Ellen Cassedy, 9to5 (National Association of Working Women) started when both Nussbaum and Cassedy met in college in Boston and realized that as clerical workers they were not given much opportunity for growth. At that time women took on administrative and clerical roles with no wiggle room. They adhered to a strict dress code, learned to keep their heads down and perform tasks such as bringing their boss coffee or his dry cleaning as part of their job requirements. And even though their pay was a little more than half of what men were making despite qualifications or experience, they were expected to continue following the outdated employment standards rather than speak up.

To kickstart their movement a newsletter is created and distributed at subway exits. But that’s simply not enough to make a difference. 9to5 then starts to spread across the nation as chapters in cities such as Seattle, Cleveland, Atlanta and New York are formed. Demonstrations and forums held to bring women together in order to transform the labor movement together.

It was in Cleveland when Jane Fonda became aware of 9to5 and their mission, prompting the creation of the film starring Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. And while it did make light of the reality it also provided the movement with an anthem, courtesy of Parton. Women were energized and considering larger steps towards equality. They were creating the 925 Union and changing the public debate of women in the workforce. The hard work was only beginning. Women wanted their fair share of the American Dream and they weren’t going to be silenced.

Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, known for their Oscar-winning American Factory, have put forth another documentary worth those same accolades. 9to5: The Story of a Movement sets a spotlight on women and just how far they have come in their fight, but also how far they have to go. The interviews with 9to5 organizers and activists provide much-needed depth and detail. You feel that anger, that determination, even the sadness when the movement takes losses. Their stories resonate with you, refusing to let go. And in the end, that fight is a never-ending one as women are still pushing towards being heard. But never to worry, those original organizers and activists are also still marching along with the women of today. The mission keeps on going.

To this day the 9to5 Movement lives on. Women continue to march and protest in droves when it’s called for. They have been able to advance into different careers & means of employment. Ultimately, we owe it to 9to5 as they keep making a difference and aptly remind us: there is so much work to be done and women lead the way.