Welcome 9to5 Sacramento!

There is a new chapter of 9to5 forming in Sacramento, CA.  On October 14th, leaders held their first formal meeting to file formal affiliation papers with 9to5,NAWW.

9to5 is building an important presence at our state capitol, with a winning team to carry out its mission. Co-chairs Roberta Diephouse, formerly on the 9to5 Bay Area chapter board and currently an Activist on the National Board, and Sarah Crowl, union steward and advocate with the state campaign to fight bullying in the workplace, met in September 2010 at a 9to5 Meet n' Greet. Joining up with them is 9to5 member Delphine Brody, disability rights advocate active in 9to5's Wage Theft Campaign, and fellow activist  Patty Gainer.   Anika Simmons, who works at a  local feeding program where Roberta volunteers, and  Laurie Jones, retired health worker now back in school who met 9to5 volunteers at a performance of the 9to5 Musical,  also joined the team.

Over the past year this team has helped to win critical victories for 9to5 legislative policy campaigns. 9to5 was a real presence in Sacramento at hearings and floor votes.  Just last month, Governor Brown signed into law the Wage Theft Prevention Act-which adds real teeth to penalties for wage and hour violations, and the Pregnancy Disability Act, which prevents employers from cancelling health insurance when women take pregnancy leave.

Plans for the new chapter include coalition building for anti-bullying legislation and fighting for domestic workers rights. As we build a 9to5 state-wide presence in California, it is exciting to welcome this hard-working and dedicated team in the fight for women's rights in the workplace. Congratulations 9to5 Sacramento!