9 to 5, National Association of Working Women (Milwaukee)

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, chapter of 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women, was founded by office workers Kitty Barber, Anne Devitt, Jocelyn May, Penny Pond, and labor activist Ellen Bravo in September 1982. 9 to 5 Milwaukee became one of many 9 to 5 chapters located throughout the country that advocated for women office workers.

9 to 5 was originally founded in Boston in 1972 by Ellen Cassedy and Karen Nussbaum, then secretaries at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Known then as 9 to 5: Organization for Women Office Workers, the organization was renamed in 1977 when several affiliated groups, including Boston 9 to 5, sponsored the formation of a national group called Working Women, with headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1983, the national organization changed its name once again to its current form, 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women. By means of publicity, conferences, affirmative action campaigns, and job and wage surveys, the organization has worked to improve conditions for women employees. In addition to affirmative action and equal pay, important issues addressed by the organization include the status of minority women, age discrimination, and "re-entry" for displaced homemakers.

9 to 5 Milwaukee is located in Wisconsin's largest city. The office houses the local chapter as well as the 9 to 5 national headquarters, which moved to Milwaukee from Boston sometime in the 1980s. Founding member Ellen Bravo became national executive director in 1993 and served in that role for 11 years. She was followed by labor advocate Linda Meric from the Colorado chapter in 2004. Linda Meric remains national executive director in 2010.

9 to 5 Milwaukee works to strengthen women's ability to win economic justice. Its constituents are low-wage women, women in traditionally female jobs, and those who have experienced any form of discrimination. The chapter works to promote policy change on issues including welfare reform, pay equity, sexual harassment, family leave, and workplace discrimination. It has provided analysis and grassroots leadership to help win victories that include the Family and Medical Leave Act, the 1991 improvements in the Civil Rights Act, and greater investments in child care and health care for working families. In 2008, 9 to 5 led the historic campaigns that won paid sick days in Milwaukee and defended equal opportunity programs in Colorado.

From the description of Records of 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women (Milwaukee), 1973-2005. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 681074520