9 to 5: The Story of a Movement

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement is a 2020 insightful documentary film that delves into the formation and evolution of one of the most profound and distinct movements in the history of American workforce: the 9to5 movement. Directed by renowned filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar, this film serves as an evocative journey through history, celebrating the heroic women who dared to challenge the corporate male-centric ethos prevalent in the 1970s office environment.

The documentary predominantly features the first-person accounts of witnesses and participants including Rosalinda Aguirre, Verna Barksdale, and Laurie Brown, who speak earnestly and powerfully of their harrowing experiences, struggles, and triumphs on the path to demanding equal rights. Their courage, persistence, and unwavering commitment to fostering change are palpable as they narrate their personal stories.

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement takes us back to the 1970s, when offices were dens of sexual harassment and discrimination, witnessing widespread negligence towards the rights of female office workers. Underpaid, disregarded, and often undervalued, these women were incessantly subjected to hostile work environments. The film sheds light on this reality, evoking a sense of empathy and fury at the systemic injustice.

The narrative then progresses to the formation of Boston 9to5, a merger of secretary activists who became a formidable force against discrimination in the workplace. Achieving unprecedented solidarity, these under-appreciated secretaries began to realize their collective strength and took revolutionary steps towards grueling battles against deep-rooted discrimination in corporate America.

Through compelling testimonials, rare archival footage, and interviews with the movement’s founders and supporters, the film exposes the toxic and oppressive office culture of the era. It highlights how these brave women forced society at large and corporate America in particular, to rethink and reform their stances on sexual harassment, equal pay, childcare, career progression, and ultimately respect for female office workers.

One remarkable aspect of 9 to 5: The Story of a Movement is the manner in which it captures the progression of the movement. Reichert and Bognar skilfully weave an intricate narrative unveiling the roots of the 9to5 movement, its connection to the overarching women’s rights movement in America, and the ultimate birth of the Service Employees International Union, a successful labor union.

Another powerful element of the documentary is its exploration of intersectionality. While the 9to5 movement was initially dominated by white women, the film underscores the critical contributions made by women of colour who joined the struggle. Their involvement gave impetus to the movement and helped broaden its scope to also confront racial disparities.

Yet, amid the serious subject matter, this documentary doesn't shy away from lighter moments. The film delves into the back stories of iconic cultural references such as the famous song & lyric penned by Dolly Parton and the preceding Hollywood feature, 9 to 5, whose release played a part in institutionalizing the movement’s cultural significance.

Therein lies the real power of 9 to 5: The Story of a Movement. It doesn't just tell the story of a movement; it paints a vivid picture of the societal norms of its time, the fire of collective resistance, and the resonating impact it fostered. It illuminates the untold stories of the countless women who created ripples of changes that covertly transformed our workplaces.

Its timely and potent message subtly reminds us of the battles fought and won, and those yet to be achieved. It underscores the grit and determination of these pioneering women who didn’t just challenge the system, but managed to shake it to its core.

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement offers an inspirational account of resistance, resilience, and revolution, inviting viewers to reflect on the progress made over the decades and instigating them to acknowledge the continued fight for full equality in the contemporary workplace. As a document of history and a tribute to the unsung heroes of a transformative movement, this film isn't just informative, it is deeply moving. They weren’t just secretaries working 9-5, they were revolutionaries fervently disrupting the status quo.