[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 144 (Monday, October 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING 9TO5'S TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, October 16, 1998, 
9to5, the National Association of Working Women, will celebrate 25 
years of advocating work place issues for women.
  9to5 started in 1973 when a group of clerical workers in Boston 
decided that women workers deserved respect, higher pay, and better 
working conditions. Since then, as an increasing number of women 
continue to join the workforce, 9to5 has challenged employers and 
lawmakers to make the work place more responsive to women and families.
  9to5 has worked tirelessly to win rights for women workers. They have 
worked to eliminate the practice of firing pregnant women, to establish 
leave time for women--and men--to care for a sick loved one, and to 
educate employers and employees about sexual harassment. Their efforts 
have translated into better work environments and higher morale for 
employees and higher production and lower turnover for employers.
  In 1978, 9to5 members were instrumental in passing landmark 
legislation, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, making it illegal for 
employers to discriminate against pregnant women. During the 1980's, 
9to5 focused on passing a number of State laws on pay equity and family 
and medical leave. In 1987, in my home city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
9to5 piloted the ``Job Retention Project'' to help women make the 
transition from welfare to work. The successful project became the 
model for similar projects in Cleveland, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
  In 1993, 9to5 championed another legislative milestone, passage of 
the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act which allows workers to take 
leave to care for a family member without risk of losing their job. 
Also, in the 1990's, 9to5 has focused on sexual harassment in the work 
place by helping employers establish effective policies on sexual 
harassment.
  As 9to5 celebrates the successes of the past 25 years, issues of 
fairness and equality continue to challenge women in the workforce. 
9to5 will continue to fight the battle for women in the work place 
seeking higher and more equitable pay, more and better family-friendly 
policies, stronger employment programs and a reliable social safety 
net.
  I congratulate 9to5 on its accomplishments and I encourage its 
members to continue their efforts to make the work place safer for 
women across the country.

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