Immediate Release: January 8, 2013
Contact: Susan Berryman Rodriguez, (4o4) 222-0030

In 1973, a group of female office workers, fed up with earning less than men, being harassed by male co-workers and passed over by management, mobilized to change the way they were treated and paid. The group organized around grievances; terms that didn’t yet exist– sexual harassment, pay equity and family leave. Forty years later, 9to5 has emerged as one of the largest, most respected national membership organizations of working women in the U.S.

One of the many ways 9to5 is celebrating its 40th milestone is the launch of its new brand and website this year. 9to5.org got a total redesign — it’s more than a makeover, it’s a major improvement in functionality that makes the site easier to use.

“9to5’s successes over the last 40 years have had a life-changing impact on the lives of low-wage working women and their families,” said Linda Meric, 9to5 national executive director. “Our strength and longevity come from our members organizing for change on the issues that affect their lives. Our new tagline, ‘Winning Justice for Working Women,’ logo and website are a reflection of our incredibly determined, strong and empowered 9to5 members.”

Forty years ago, a loaf of bread was just $.25 — today it costs $2.30. Wages haven’t kept up with inflation. It’s time to move forward on issues that matter to low-wage women and families – good jobs with fair wages, health care and family-flexible policies like paid sick days and family leave insurance; pay equity and an end to discrimination; a strong safety net, and a budget that protects services for low-income families.

9to5 members will be leading the charge to build political power and hold our elected officials accountable to deliver policy changes that our members and working families need. Members like Judith from Rhode Island who when asked what 9to5 means to her, said “9to5 has been an opportunity to learn how to stand up for myself on the job, to gain basic organizing skills and the ability to speak in public; to do all kinds of things I don’t think I would have had the chance to learn in any other setting.”

“Our new brand and website will help 9to5 continue to reach out to, organize, and lift up the voices and leadership of low-wage women. Now is the time for real change,” continued Meric.

9to5’s 40th Anniversary: Save the date on 9.25.13 to attend one of our three anniversary events. Look for details to follow at 9to5.org.

Our Story: 9to5 has made huge, bold strides since Jane Fonda’s movie “9to5,” inspired by our group, premiered. Over the past 40 years, 9to5 has celebrated hard-won victories like the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the 1991 improvements in the Civil Rights Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and greater investments in child care and health care for working families.

9to5 has chapters based in five cities – Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, Milwaukee and San Jose – with staffed offices in the first four of those. We have chapters forming in several other cities; an Action Network of activist members throughout the country; and members in all fifty states. To learn more or to get involved with 9to5 campaigns to win good jobs and work-family policies, visit 9to5.org.

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