Co-founder of the 9 to 5 Movement, Ellen Cassedy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of the 9 to 5 movement.
The 9 to 5 Movement began in a typist's office in Boston with 10 female clerk typists discussing their problems with the workplace. This is where Ellen Cassedy co-founded 9 to 5, the National Association of Working Women. The movement helped to provide women office workers with a voice in the workplace for the first time. After becoming a union, Cassedy and the 9 to 5 movement were able to win pay raises, back pay and better benefits for female office workers across America.
The 9 to 5 movement was so impactful it inspired a hit movie, 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. The movie also led to a hit single by Dolly Parton that would serve as a toe-tapping anthem for the 9 to 5 Movement, Cassedy said. She added that the movement inspired the movie, however, the movie boosted the movement as more female office workers felt empowered seeing their work in a major movie.
Cassedy also discussed influential historical figures like Frances Perkins. She highlighted her time fighting for workers' rights and workplace safety, along with being appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the first female labor secretary. Cassedy said the 9 to 5 Movement embodied the spirit and fight that Perkins showed during her time. It is this spirit that Cassedy said can be seen in today’s labor movement with organizing efforts at companies like Starbucks and Amazon.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.