The real-life labor movement that turned a catchy pop song into a protest anthem.

Dolly Parton's hit song 9 to 5 is more than just an upbeat tune; it is a reflection of a genuine workplace struggle. This episode explores the history of the 1970s clerical labor movement that inspired the iconic film and song.

In 1973, a group of secretaries in Boston established a labor organization they named 9to5. This collective emerged during a period between the 1960s and 1980s when many women worked in clerical roles and felt that significant workplace reforms were imminent. The organization's efforts to address these systemic issues eventually served as the inspiration for the 1980 film 9 to 5.

The song itself captures this duality, blending a catchy, danceable rhythm with lyrics that highlight the frustrations of the modern workplace. By examining the history of this movement, the episode reflects on how much has changed—or remained the same—for women in the workforce since the group's founding.

Source: Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” the true story behind the anthem (bonus) | Planet Money