FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: MELINDA SHELTON, 202-331-0066 x767; DIANE MINOR, x773

NOW TO NAME FIRST "MERCHANT OF SHAME" AND LAUNCH MASSIVE WOMEN-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1997

WHO: NOW President Patricia Ireland, on behalf of 250,000 NOW activists nationwide

WHAT: will announce the first "Merchant of Shame," an employer who will be targeted by NOW activists for workplace practices hostile to women. Ireland will also unveil other components of a nationwide Women-Friendly Workplace Campaign, such as consumer and employer pledges, an online speakout and telephone tip line, plans for grassroots activists to pressure local businesses.

WHEN: News Briefing WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 10 A.M.

WHERE: National Press Club (14th and F) Lisagor Room

WHY: Despite advances since Anita Hill raised the nation's consciousness, women still face on-the-job sexual harassment, race and sex discrimination and violence -- including rape and threats of murder. These unconscionable workplace abuses and hurdles occur everywhere from an auto plant in Normal, Ill., to a stock brokerage firm on Wall Street, from military training facilities to retail giants.

HISTORY: Recently, NOW pickets spurred Mitsubishi leaders to pledge to clean up their act and create a model workplace. NOW also convinced Saks to back down from its implicit claim that rape is an occupational hazard. A few years ago, NOW activists used their consumer power to pressure the Florida Citrus Commission to cancel a million dollar ad contract with Rush Limbaugh.