Original subtitles

[cheers and applause]

[woman over speaker] Ladies and gentlemen,

please welcome...

Lilly Ledbetter, from Jacksonville, Alabama.

[cheers and applause]

[Lilly] Thank you.

Good evening.

My name is Lilly Ledbetter.

Thank you.

[cheers and applause]

Thank you.

Many of you are probably asking,

"Who's that Alabama grandma at the podium?"

I can assure you, nobody is more surprised or humbled...

than I am.

I'm here to talk about America's commitment to

fairness...

and equality,

and how people like me -- and like you -- suffer...

when that commitment is betrayed.

[cheers and applause]

[tender folk music]

♪ Oh, girl, wash your face 'fore you come to the table ♪

♪ Girl, know your place ♪

♪ Be willing and able ♪

♪ Take it on the chin ♪

♪ Let the best man win ♪

♪ Girl, shoulders back and stand up straight ♪

♪ Girl, watch your mouth and watch your weight ♪

♪ Mind your manners ♪

♪ Smile for the camera ♪

♪ And pose like a trophy on a shelf ♪

♪ Dream for everyone but not yourself ♪

♪ I've heard of God the Son and God the Father ♪

♪ I'm still looking for a God for the daughters ♪

♪ And pose like a trophy on a shelf ♪

♪And dream for everyone but not yourself♪

♪ I've heard of God the Son and God the Father ♪

♪ I'm just lookin' for a God for the daughters ♪

♪♪♪

♪ I wash the dishes, feed the kids ♪

♪ And clean up all this mess ♪

♪ Do my best, forgive myself ♪

♪ And look good in this dress ♪

♪Damn, I look good in this dress♪

♪ And pose like a trophy on a shelf ♪

♪ I'll dream for everyone but not myself ♪

♪ I've heard of God the Son and God the Father ♪

♪ And damn, I love my son, I love my father ♪

♪ I'm just lookin' for a God for the daughters ♪

♪ I'm just lookin' for a God for the daughters ♪

♪♪♪

♪ For the daughters ♪

♪ I'm just lookin' for a God ♪

♪ For the daughters ♪

♪ For the daughters ♪

-[Lilly] Ahh! -[man chuckles]

-[man] Good catch there, bitch. -[chuckles]

I'll get the hang of it.

Sure you will!

Sure.

Mm.

So, the key...

is body position.

Legs wide...

and the knees bent. All right?

Oh, there you go.

I've got it.

Okay!

Trainee...

[Andy VO] All right, y'all, listen up!

Now, my name's Andy Guthrie, I'ma tell you how this whole

process works, all right?

You got six months to prove to us you've got what it takes to

be a supervisor.

Only problem is I only got spaces for five,

so you're gonna be rotating from department to department,

learning the entire process, at the end of which we're

gonna evaluate your performance and observe your

leadership skills, all right? Y'all got it?

[grooving bluesy music]

[man] Here's some rubber, boys!

[Lilly grunting]

Y'all right?

I'll be fine.

[front door opens and shuts]

-[whispering] Hey. -Hi.

Kids get down all right?

Yeah.

Phil give you some trouble?

[Lilly] Not tonight.

What?

What's this?

547 dollars, Goodyear Tire.

What... What the hell is this?

In Life Magazine, an article about how they were looking to

diversify their management program.

Ah... You went and got a job...

without even talking to me.

-I support this family! -Don't wake the kids.

[whispering] You asked me a hundred times;

what'd I say to you?!

Those kids need their mother, I need my wife!

You work three jobs, and we're behind.

Two months late on electricity,

roof leaks...

If I'm earning, you can get your degree,

transfer into officer training.

Imagine, instead of building latrines and barracks on the

base, you could be a First Lieutenant,

calling the shots!

Times are changing.

What, taking a man's job?!

Well, that's exactly what they're gonna say! [sighs]

You used to like that I was different from the other

girls, that I had dreams, ambitions.

You think what some dumbass says matters?

If I'm working, the whole family does better!

Why does that make you feel bad?!

-Why?! -I don't know, it just does!

[sighs]

I've put up with your pride for a long time;

I'm not gonna do it anymore.

I want the kids to go to college,

I want a...

a nice house with a yard!

I want a big kitchen.

I know you want that too.

[Charles] You went...

You went behind my back.

[whispering] I'm sorry.

Jesus, all right...

You gonna do whatever the hell you want to anyway.

[kiss]

Damn it.

[chuckling]

-[groaning] -Are you...

-are you okay? -[chuckling] Yeah, I'm good.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] One of my most satisfying terms on

the Court was the Lilly Ledbetter case.

Lilly Ledbetter was an area manager at a

Goodyear Tire plant.

It was a job that had been held...

dominantly by men.

The five pallets were received and signed for?

[Johnny on phone] Yes, yes, ma'am, we got it.

And the radials, and the-- the cross plys?

-[Johnny indistinct on phone] -Mm-hm.

[chuckles]

That's a good job, Johnny.

♪ Some girls bow their heads ♪

♪ Or just bow out... ♪

Thank you.

[knocking]

Hey.

I read the report.

We don't abide hearsay at Goodyear.

If this female would like to bring a charge of her own

herself...

well, then, uh...

we could take it from there.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] Every woman of Lilly's generation

knew...

that if you are the first woman...

in a field that has been occupied by men,

you don't want to be known as a complainer,

you don't want to rock the boat.

[Darby screams] [Darby] Leave me alone!

[man] Aw, come on, Darby! We wanna have a little fun!

[laughs]

-[man] Where ya going? -[men laugh]

Go git 'er, boy! Git 'er!

-C'mere! -[Darby groans]

-What the hell's going on here? -[Darby] Get off of me!

Let that girl up right now!

-They're pigs! -Come on, Darby, let's go.

[man] Hey...Princess.

You had your fun, now it's over.

You know, that whole schoolmarm thing you've got

goin' on is a real turn-on.

I bet you're a naughty girl.

Really?

C'mon, Tris, let's get outta here.

[kiss] Maybe next time, girls!

[kiss]

See you 'round!

-We'll file a report. -I don't want to.

I could get fired.

If we don't put an end to this,

somebody's gonna get...

really hurt next time.

[Darby] I need this job!

[soft somber music]

Hey. They moved you?!

♪♪♪

Turn off the potatoes and...

[in unison] don't forget to turn off the oven.

Broken record, Ma.

-[kiss] -[chuckles]

[front door opens]

-You're early. -[sighs]

[Lilly] What's wrong, you sick?

Are you drunk?

Coach found him under the bleachers during practice.

-Drinking?! -Or worse, I bet.

-Shut up! -Hey! Hey!

You don't talk to your sister like that!

[sighs] How could you do this to your team, Phillip?

Disrespect your coach, your friends?

[scoffs] They're not my friends.

I quit two weeks ago.

Huh! Two weeks ago.

Aw, come on, Phillip, you love football!

You love football.

The whole thing's a waste of time!

[Lilly] This has got to stop!

Every day it's something!

-You're such a bitch! -[Charles] Hey!

You don't talk to your mother like that!

Hey, you come back here!

[Phil] Are you're a little freak twin.

I'm going to work.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] Unconscious bias remains.

The other is what's been called "the work-life

balance."

How do we order the work life so that a person can have a

home life as well, and be part of raising the children?

[tender pensive music]

Hey, Pops!

Where were you this morning?

You were supposed to help unload.

The trucks left an hour ago.

Good morning, Mother.

Who's that?

Caroline and I are headed to California.

She got a receptionist job at a record company,

-and I'm gonna learn to surf. -[Caroline] Hey, y'all!

Hey... [chuckling] that's very funny.

I'm dead serious! We got it all planned out:

the maps, the routes, where to stop for the best pie.

-I love pie. [laughs] -We're...

we're just moving in, Phillip.

How long have we been talking about this?

You cannot drop out of college;

-we pay your tuition! -Told you not to.

[Lilly] And-- and what about your job?

Did you even call and give notice?

-I'll bet you didn't! -All right, now, come on!

Phil, I don't understand!

When you graduate, you can make decisions.

-Until then-- -I'm plenty capable of making

my own decisions. Now, what I need is...

[tender somber music]

-California here we come! -Woo!

[Charles] At least wait 'til the end of the semester, all right?

You can't make decisions like this!

Your mother just fixed up your room for you! Now, come on, son!

[Phillip] I'm not living like this anymore.

I can't do anything right around here.

[Charles sighs]

Come on...

♪♪♪

[Phillip] Take care of yourself.

♪♪♪

[car engine starts]

[woman over speaker] And now, the Tri-county Finals,

bringing these dancers one step closer to our Alabama regionals.

Lilly and Hector with a wonderful waltz!

♪ She thinks life is fair and ♪

♪ God hears every prayer ♪

♪ And everyone gets their Ever After... ♪

[Lilly] They put me back on the floor yesterday.

To punish me for filing too many reports.

You should just drop me off.

What, in that?

I got a change in my locker.

By the time we get home, I'm just gonna have to turn

around.

Where are you gonna sleep?

Well, there's a cot in the infirmary.

♪ Do you just let her pretend ♪

♪ That she could be the President? ♪

♪ Would it help us get there any faster?... ♪

-What's that for? -We can catch a few hours.

Here?!

There's no reason for you to have a bad night's sleep just

'cause of me.

I can't think of a better one.

♪ What are you gonna tell her ♪

♪ When she's wrong?... ♪

Come on.

♪ Will you just shrug and say ♪

♪ "It's been that way all along?" ♪

♪ What are you gonna tell her ♪

♪ When she figures out ♪

♪ That all this time you built her up ♪

♪ Just so the world could let her down? ♪

♪ Yeah, what do you tell her? ♪

♪ Do you tell her not to fight? ♪

♪ Is it worth the sacrifice? ♪

[driving rock music]

[Lilly VO] Even though I had some of the best production

numbers on record,

management always found ways to demote me back to the floor.

It was hard working in that place.

Hard being a woman.

It felt like walking in a minefield --

never knew when I'd take the wrong step.

♪ But I won't pay no mind ♪

♪ Oh, the wind's gonna blow ♪

♪ The tide's gonna roll with the storm ♪

♪ While the ground is shaking... ♪

19 years.

Things only got worse.

It's the pensions that are killing automotive, not Asia.

Let's push the early buyout, dangle that quick pot of gold.

Let's get some young blood in here.

Lower pay rates, then the herd.

It's good for the economy.

Let's get rid of the damn dead wood!

[Lilly VO] I put up with a lot for the sake of that paycheck.

With all due respect, sir, these people have worked long

and hard for their pensions.

♪ Making my heart feel like it's gonna keep on breaking ♪

♪ But I don't give up easy ♪

♪ So why don't you try me?... ♪

Consider it done, Mr. Vogel.

♪♪♪

[Vogel VO] All right, then!

Let's go back to work!

-[screams] -[woman] Lilly!

♪♪♪

-Call the medic! -[Lilly groans]

Ah, you gotta be more careful, girl!

[groans]

Lilly!

-[groaning] -Oh, my gosh!

Okay, we've got some help coming, all right?

Oh, my God. We're getting you help, okay?

[Lilly] Those assholes did this on purpose.

Oh, Lilly, it's gonna be all right.

C'mon, gimme your purse.

It was nice of the kids to come over.

I thought they'd cheer you up.

-Hey! -Hey!

Something sure smells good in there.

Phil made a roast.

-The kids baked cupcakes. -Oh!

Mama...

You can't let this eat you up.

[Lilly] Oh, Vicky, I just hope I'll dance again.

[Percy] It is so great to see you, Mr. VP!

[chuckles]

[chatter]

How's Akron treating you?

We can say that we knew him when!

How's the kids? How's Dorothy?

Everybody's great.

It's nice to be back.

Why was I not in that meeting?

Percy...

Well, Lilly, the penalty on your demotion is back to

-working the floor. -I'm contesting the demotion!

I'm still a supervisor!

Has he even finished training?!

[Percy] Lilly...

you need to calm down.

[tense music]

[Lilly VO] Sometimes, in life, you hit a turning point,

and that was it for me.

♪♪♪

I can't take it anymore.

Every day, it's something.

How long have you worked there?

Just shy of 20 years.

Have you complained?

Every time I did, I'd get demoted.

They told me I could move up if I'd meet 'em at the Ramada.

A woman ain't worth nothin' if she don't put out.

Maybe in law school, they don't pull that crap.

Men are the same everywhere, Mrs. Ledbetter.

[Lilly] At first, it was just...shenanigans --

teasing, getting touched whenever they felt like it.

Schoolboy nonsense, really.

But then, it was...

"You took a man's job."

I had my tires slashes, my windshield busted,

tobacco juice poured all over my car.

It was a free-for-all, and everybody is related to some

uncle or cousin -- if you complain,

they just say...

"We don't mess with kin."

Shouldn't a company be responsible for how their

people act?!

Violations are hard to prove.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] This pedestal...

that many of us have thought women are on,

in reality...

too often turns out to be a cage.

Uh, Mrs. Ledbetter, this is Mike Quinn.

His name is on the door and he's gonna ask you some questions.

Mrs. Ledbetter, thank you for coming in.

Nice meetin' you.

I'm sorry for what you've been going through, ma'am!

[sighs]

I guess my first question is, uh...

do you think you might've been singled out for some reason?

You mean 'cause I'm smarter than the lot of 'em?

-[chuckles] -[Lilly] Most of 'em barely read.

What about other women?

Do you think that they had similar experiences?

Most girls can't stomach the floor,

or have the training to be area managers,

engineer techs, or supervisors.

I don't understand why you stayed under such miserable

circumstances.

Why?

A supervisor position at Goodyear was the

highest-paying job in the county, by far!

That's-- that's new shoes for my kids and more than fried

bologna for dinner!

Certainly, no amount of money is worth your health and

safety!

I haven't had the privilege to see it that way, Mr. Quinn.

When our son was little, he had ear infections all the

time, but we couldn't afford the operation to put the tubes in.

So, the doctor, he suggested I get into a program

where women were being paid...

to let surgeons practice on 'em.

Hysterectomies.

He said I should have my uterus and ovaries removed to

pay for the ears.

Believe me, I thought about it.

I'm a hard-worker.

That's just who I am.

So, what do you think, do I have a case?

I would love to whoop Goodyear's ass.

But...

we need to get 'em on environmental negligence or...

patent violations, or wage and hour class action --

something with teeth.

But they have government contracts;

don't they have to do things right?

There's no federal law that mandates compliance.

Your workers were protected, but only because of their

union.

Supervisors don't have any protection.

[Quinn] From a legal standpoint...

there's nothing we can do.

Without a doubt, your treatment was an abomination.

Mrs. Ledbetter, I'm sorry.

It was very nice meeting you.

Good luck.

[Goldfarb] Thank you for coming in.

-Can I... -No.

[soft somber music]

[Goldfarb clears throat]

[Lilly] My employer treated me like a second-class citizen

because I'm a woman.

I gave them 20 years.

You think they should get away with how they treated me?

No. No, I do not.

Look, we take these cases on a contingency basis,

so your complaint has to fit into a very specific violation

or else there's just not enough of a guarantee,

and we don't get paid unless we win.

But...

if you can find me some evidence,

something specific -- I need substantiation to build you a

case.

Okay?

It was...a real pleasure to meet you.

[soft hopeful music]

Can I help you down the stairs?

♪♪♪

[cacophony]

-Hey, Lilly! -[Lilly] Hey.

Shoot...

Lilly...

I'm running late to a meeting.

Do you mind putting this on Mr. Dawkins' desk for me?

-Sure. -Thanks, hon.

-Take care. -Thank you.

[soft suspenseful music]

[groans softly]

♪♪♪

[soft curious music]

[softly] My God...

♪♪♪

Stealing company property!

You're really something.

What you got in there, huh?

You don't have the right!

[soft tense music]

[man] Tell you what...

I'm gonna give you a choice.

We press charges, or you sign the buyout of your contract.

Either way, you're getting outta here for good.

♪♪♪

He'll escort you to your car.

[man] Come on.

♪♪♪

[man] Hey, what do you think you're doing?!

-[man] Stop right there! -[Lilly] I gotta get my things.

[man] We will ship it all to your house!

It's my stuff.

It's-- it's my kids' things.

That's all I want.

Get out.

♪♪♪

I'll send you that buyout!

I suggest you sign it right away!

All right, let's get back to work! The show's over!

Now, the way I see it, we've got four causes for

-litigation. -Great.

One is equal pay -- willful actions they took with wages

transfers, promotions, raises, evaluations.

That note that you gave us gives us a hell of a lot of

-ammunition. -Well, they cheated me. -Mm-hm.

Two is Title VII for disparate treatment,

three is working in a hostile work environment,

and four is age discrimination -- she was replaced by a kid

-in, what, his 20s? -That's right.

Title VII cases have caps on damages.

This is never gonna be a big payday.

You think I'm doing this for the money?

But this is not clear-cut, with limited upside and...

you're looking to make partner!

I'ma trust my gut.

[inhales deeply]

Okay, then.

Good luck!

Okay!

Well...

here we go.

[Lilly groans softly]

-That looks good! -[sighs]

How do you feel?

[chuckles]

Oh, like-- like the Tin Man.

You ready for regionals?

I would trade a thousand regionals for the chance to

beat Goodyear.

But they warned me that it could take years.

Are you sure you're up for this?

The lawyers want me in Birmingham in the morning

-but-- -What time do you wanna leave?

Come here. [chuckles]

Oh...

[singing] ♪ You made me love you ♪

[chuckles]

[Charles, singing] ♪ I didn't wanna do it ♪

♪ I didn't wanna do it ♪

♪ You made me want you ♪

♪ And all the time, you knew it ♪

♪ I guess you always knew it ♪

You said you needed to talk to me.

[Goldfarb] Mm!

You change your mind? Something happen?

No, no, nothing like that, no.

No, I, um...

We just..

-[Lilly] Thank you. -[Goldfarb] Thank you.

I just, uh...

I wanted to take the opportunity to talk to you

about the trial.

Um, trials are rough stuff.

Opposing counsel's gonna put you through the wringer,

and I want you to be ready for that.

I grew up with no electricity, no plumbing,

stepped over snakes on the way to the outhouse.

My grandpa was a mean drunk, and beat my mama up regular.

And though she never told me, she loved me my whole life.

When he came after me one night,

she held a knife to his throat,

so I know a thing or two about rough stuff,

Mr. Goldfarb.

What's this?

That is due diligence.

The court needs to see Lilly Ledbetter as more than just a

factory manager, although I do have to say,

Lilly Ledbetter, the cheerleader and ballroom

dancer was, uh, a bit of a surprise.

[Lilly] Mm.

"Girl Gumption."

Oh, Lord...

[both chuckle]

I wanted that uniform so bad, but my mother saw the world

another way -- said I wasn't the cheerleader type.

I baked up a storm,

sold cakes at church -- it was Charles' idea.

I got that uniform.

We were married...

several months later.

Is she still with us?

-Edna? -[Goldfarb] Mm.

Lost her some time back.

Mm.

She was like a dog who'd been kicked around too much.

It doesn't make the dog bad.

She wanted me prepared for the world the way she saw it.

Made me who I am.

I'm grateful.

Uh...

we need to talk about you getting me some witnesses,

Folks who are gonna be willing to testify on your behalf,

counter Goodyear's claims.

That is gonna be very crucial to our case.

Now, uh...

I suggest the crying tiger tofu if you like spicy,

which I do.

[soft pensive music]

Debra! Debra!

What are you doing here?!

I need somebody to tell the truth.

Please!

Lilly, I want to help you.

I do.

But the company matches my contributions for Courtney's

disability!

I can't jeopardize that!

I won't.

[soft suspenseful music]

[Goldfarb VO] Mrs. Ledbetter, folks...

let's look at exhibit one:

area manager base salary comparison chart.

Now...

what does that mean to you?

Well, that's my income last year,

along with all the other supervisors' salaries.

But... [sighs] we had no way of knowing what anybody was making.

[Goldfarb] And why is that?

Well, the first thing you had to do when you were hired was

sign non-disclosure agreements.

If you talked about what you earned,

you'd be fired.

Goodyear was...strict about that.

Now, your income is 15,000 dollars less

than other managers who are on this list,

and if you include overtime, it is half...

half of what the men are making.

You know why that might be?

No, sir, I do not.

[Goldfarb] Do you think it might be because you're a woman?

-[man] Objection! Leading the witness! -[judge] Sustained.

[Goldfarb] Withdrawn.

Mrs. Ledbetter, when you began your career at Goodyear,

how many women were in management positions?

None.

[Goldfarb] None.

And when you ended your career at Goodyear 19 years and nine

months later, how many women...

were in managerial positions?

None.

[murmuring]

[Goldfarb] None.

Thank you.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] It was argued early on that sexual

harassment has nothing to do with gender discrimination.

Everyone knows boys will be boys,

and that was...

that was that, but...

there-- there are state and federal laws --

the laws are there, the laws are in place.

It takes people...

to step forward and use them.

Mrs. Ledbetter, please tell the court what occurred on May

17th, 1998.

You mean the fire?

[man] Multiple men treated for first-degree burns,

hundreds of tires scrapped, and who did the investigation

-find responsible? -I-- I was not!

It was a mechanical malfunction!

Ask Andy Guthrie; he was the first one on the scene!

[man] In June of 1981, did the production line stop because

you didn't know the circuitry?

No, they reconfigured it to sabotage me

to make me look bad!

Production stoppages, workers' lives at stake--

You cannot connect those two!

Your Honor! Badgering.

Withdrawn.

-[gavel bangs] -[judge] Break for lunch!

One hour!

[Justice Ginsburg VO] At the first indication that she was

paid less, the defense would have been

"Oh, it had nothing to do with Lilly being a woman.

She just doesn't do the job as well."

But then, when she's done the job year after year and gets

good performance ratings...

that defense is no longer available,

and she has a winnable case.

[Goldfarb] Mr. Vogel, can you tell us about your company's

policy regarding pay increases for plant managers?

Pay for performance, Mr. Goldfarb, it's very simple.

And what can you tell us about Mrs. Ledbetter's performance?

Mrs. Ledbetter wants us to believe that she was

undervalued and underpaid.

She was simply an underperforming employee.

If she wins, women all over the country are going to use

this as an excuse to sue.

She was bossy, thought she was better than everybody else.

Nobody liked working with her.

Nobody.

Her evaluations were weak.

Productivity was subpar.

That woman has serious issues with authority.

She was not what you'd call a "team player."

And respect?

She never knew her place around upper management.

Never.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] Women were hesitant to come forward.

I think one of the principle reasons for it:

they feared that they would not be believed.

-Andy... -I-- I can't be talking to you.

You know I'm a good worker.

It doesn't matter what I know.

It does to me!

Well, then, I'll tell you straight to your face:

you worked harder and smarter than any supervisor I ever

trained.

But in there?

No way.

[soft somber music]

I can't sleep either.

Cowards and bullies.

They wouldn't last one day if the tables were turned.

20 years of this bullshit.

Did you see that jury, the way they looked at you?!

And only two women?!

How the hell'd that happen, huh?!

[scoffs]

Jon wants me to smile more.

Don't you dare smile.

♪♪♪

It was during my overseas deployment that I began my--

No...

My duty overseas was the beginning of a long military

career, for which I am ever grateful?

Ever grateful? That I'm-- that I'm grateful for? I...

Did you tell them you were retired with honors and you

practically ran Fort McClellan?

You built that thing up when it was nothin' but a cesspool.

Well, it's embarrassing talking about yourself.

Well, pretend you're talking to the morning doves!

Yeah, I'd do great in a room full of birds.

Pastor Robert said your story was inspiring,

and you can't say no when you're asked to give testimony

before the congregation.

It's just jitters. C'mon, we're gonna be late.

♪ church piano ♪

[pastor] Good morning!

Come meet Congressman McGintry,

running for reelection!

Good morning, y'all. And remember:

it's your vote that keeps Alabama industry strong.

Good morning!

Come meet Congressman Dan McGintry,

-he's running for reelection! -How are y'all?!

Remember: it's poultry, automotive, and mining that

makes Alabama great!

Mornin', how y'all doin' today?

-Pastor! -It's a fine morning, isn't it?

[pastor] It certainly is, Charles.

-Lilly... -Hello.

I want to give you a heads up:

there's been a change of plan.

Well, what ever you need! [chuckles]

Well...

we think it may not be the best idea for you to address

the congregation...

with everything that's going on right now.

Timing's not good with that lawsuit and all.

What?!

-Wh-- he-- -Congressman McGintry is, uh,

joining us today.

Washington man running for reelection -- it's a big honor

for us.

My father was a pastor here.

My grandpa, too.

Four generations belonged to this ministry.

[pastor] Of course. And we're deeply indebted to

your family, Charles.

Let's just...

Let's just revisit this in a few months,

when everything's quieted down, how's that?

You think testimony to the Lord has a right time?

Maybe it's time for you to review your Matthew,

chapter five, verse ten.

"Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of

righteousness."

C'mon, Lilly.

[soft somber music]

[exhales]

[soft tense music]

Jesus...

[sniffs] God!

Lilly?! Lilly!

-What?! What?! -[Charles] Oh...

somebody poisoned the feeders!

-What?! -Someone...

poisoned the feeders.

[Goldfarb VO] Mr. Granger...

thank you for coming all this way to provide testimony.

It's my pleasure.

[Goldfarb] When did you first meet Mrs. Ledbetter?

We started out together as supervisor trainees.

When you started at Goodyear, did you have a college

-education? -No, sir.

I hadn't even finished high school.

But, since then, with the company's support,

I've earned my Bachelor's and an MBA.

An MBA?

Wow.

Now, what is your current position?

I'm a senior vice president, North American division,

in Akron, Ohio.

But I won't be, after today.

I've accepted a new position at a non-profit that

repurposes synthesized elastomer petroleum --

essentially recycling tires.

-[chuckling] -Thank you.

Now, Mr. Granger, when you worked at Goodyear,

were you present at a meeting in which Mr. Dawkins

criticized Miss Ledbetter and her performance,

despite the fact that her production numbers were the

best in the plant?

Yes, I was.

Would you tell the court what you heard him say?

I apologize, Lilly, you shouldn't have to hear this.

It's okay, Tim.

He said, "I won't give that effin' bitch a raise."

[murmuring]

Now, Mr. Granger, with your fine education,

do you think that you can calculate for us the

difference in what Mrs. Ledbetter's income might have

been over the course of her career if she had had the same

access to salary, raises, overtime as you and the other

men that she worked with?

Objection!

Speculation -- the witness is not a qualified expert!

An expert in math?!

[judge] Sustained.

About 500,000 dollars.

[man] Move to strike, Your Honor!

[judge] That testimony will be stricken from the record!

Nothing further.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] One case that gave me enormous

satisfaction was Lilly Ledbetter's case.

One day, someone puts a slip of paper in her mailbox with a

series of numbers.

They were the pay of all the other area managers.

And the young man she had just trained for the job was

earning more than she was.

You know, I'd like to deck every one of those assholes.

Oh, yeah...

[Justice Ginsburg VO] So, she said,

"I've had it.

I'm going to sue."

And she sued under Title VII - our anti-discrimination and

employment law.

[judge] Good afternoon and welcome back,

ladies and gentlemen of the jury.

-[whispering] Hey, Mama. -[judge] Now...

to the first charge,

that of retaliation for complaining of

sex discrimination, how do you answer?

We find for the defendant.

And to the second claim of age discrimination,

how do you answer?

We find for the defendant.

[murmuring]

To the third claim, do you find it more likely than not

that the defendant paid the plaintiff an unequal salary

-because of her sex? -Yes, Your Honor.

We find for the plaintiff.

[soft hopeful music]

[judge] What amount of backpay is the plaintiff owed?

223,776 dollars, Your Honor.

[judge] And what amount of punitive damages,

if any, do you award?

♪♪♪

3,285,979 dollars.

[overlapping chatter]

[gavel bangs]

[judge] We thank the jury for their service.

You are free to go.

This court is now dismissed.

You said the damages were capped!

Oh, they are!

That jury just sent a message.

[laughs]

[uplifting music]

Mama...

♪♪♪

I wish Phil was here.

[Charles, whispering] I know, I know.

♪♪♪

Thought you might like to see this one, too.

Otto Vogel from Goodyear returning on one.

[sighs]

Mr. Vogel! Ken Kohler here.

The Chamber of Commerce wants you to know that you've got

support on the Ledbetter appeal.

We're not going to appeal.

The legal fees would be higher than the caps on damages.

It's just a nuisance we'd rather fade away.

[Kohler on phone] I beg to differ. The verdict's gotta be

overturned or you'll have every disgruntled employee in

the country dredging up stale pay claims.

Look, Goodyear may get off easy,

but every other business in America will suffer.

We have a great deal of influence on Capitol Hill...

and in the courts.

I'm sure I can find someone in Alabama to help.

You on board?

Let me know what you rustle up.

Will do! Thank you.

[birds chirping]

-[groans] -[Lilly] I'm back!

[Charles] Thought I just saw a red-plumed cardinal!

Maybe it's just an early robin.

Whoa! Where's my wife?!

You like it?

-I needed a change. -Yeah, I love it!

I got some news you're not gonna like.

[sighs]

Jon just called.

Goodyear's appealing.

[soft tense music]

Look, we know it was coming.

♪♪♪

Jon was confident the verdict would stand.

Says...

there's no jury, they just argue the briefs already

filed.

Says we'll hear soon.

Do you want bread with the salad?

Oy...

I don't feel-- I don't feel so good.

You got that headache again?

Lemme get you something.

♪♪♪

You okay?

Charles?

[heart monitor beeping steadily]

-[Goldfarb, softly] Hey! -[Charles, whispering] Ow...

-Hey! -[Goldfarb] How is he?

Oh, well, they gave me some happy drugs!

Oh, good. [chuckles]

-[knocking] -Charles!

-Good to see you up! -I'll just-- I'll wait outside.

No, no, no! You stay, Jon.

He's a good friend.

We removed the tumor,

but we are dealing with a malignancy.

Having said that, with a round of chemo and careful

monitoring, you have a good prognosis.

Oh, I appreciate that, Doc.

[doctor] Rest up, we'll talk soon.

[Charles] Mm.

Thanks.

Hey, you okay?

I am if you are.

Just a little skin cancer.

Runs in my family, everybody does fine,

so will I.

All right, Jon, let's have it.

I know you didn't come here just to bring me some flowers.

[chuckles]

Uh...

Well, um...

-we lost the appeal. -What?!

They decided to disregard the previous ruling,

and they found that you had to have filed a complaint within

180 days of the original discriminatory paycheck.

"First" as in 20 years ago?

How could she complain if she didn't know?

It makes no sense!

Look, we all grow up thinking that the law is based on the

truth, and in reality, it's really about who can best

manipulate the system.

How could two different courts come up with two different

-conclusions? -[Goldfarb] Right!

See, that's exactly the problem;

there is a discrepancy in the interpretation of the law,

and that is why the partners and I would like to take

this...

to the Supreme Court.

-The Supreme Court? -[Goldfarb] Yeah.

See, in our original case, the court found that every single

one of Lilly's paychecks was discriminatory because she

continued to be unfairly paid based on the first unfair

paycheck, but the appellate court found that,

because she didn't file her complaint within 180 days,

that the rest of the paychecks were all fine.

So the company profits from that injustice her whole

career by keeping her at the lowest salary.

I mean, the raises, the pension,

contributions, social security that I should have gotten!

[Goldfarb] That's right, if this ruling is allowed to

stand, it puts a very bad law on the books,

and we can't let that happen.

So...

good news:

I contacted the best Supreme Court specialist that I know,

and he has agreed to argue your case pro bono.

Well, I feel better already.

But...

the Supreme Court rejects 99 percent of the cases that are

submitted to it, and this case is...

it's a long shot, at best.

Either way...

it's gonna take some time, so, you...

just worry about getting better, okay?

I will take care of the rest.

Thank you, Jon.

-Bye. -Yeah, all right.

Enjoy your happy drugs. [chuckles]

[soft suspenseful music]

The fundamental disagreement in this case is the definition

of "unlawful employment practice."

For years, my client, Ms. Ledbetter,

received smaller pay increases than men do in the same job as

her at a tire plant in Gadsden, Alabama.

The court below held that she should have complained

earlier.

But how could she had done so when those discriminatory

raises were being given in secret?

Miss Ledbetter was consigned to a career as a second-class

employee only because she is a woman.

That cannot be the law, and it isn't.

There comes a point when discrimination is staring at

you in the face and you have to make a stand,

and that's what Lilly did.

You said the Ledbetter petition would never land on

the docket.

We've got friends in high places.

We stuck our neck out on your advice.

You won't regret it.

Wilson looking for a man in the end zone...

Oh!

Is this the recipe with the cocoa powder?

I like it better than the melted chocolate.

Mm, me too.

-Gimme that. -[chuckles]

Alex! Where's Will?

I've never known him to miss one of your birthdays!

Finals. Couldn't get up here in time.

Oh, college boy.

I'm so proud of him.

-We are too. -[Lilly chuckles]

[Charles] Nice ball!

[boy] Thanks, yeah, Uncle Phil got it for Alex last night.

[soft melancholy music]

[Lilly] Y-- you saw Phil?

Well, he called.

I told him about what's going on with me.

He's moving back home!

Just give him a little time, all right?

He'll come around.

♪♪♪

[man on radio] This is 90.3 WBHM,

from the heart of Alabama, with news on today's Supreme

Court rulings.

Today, in a 5-4 vote delivered by Justice Alito,

the Supreme Court ruled against Lilly Ledbetter in her

efforts to hold Goodyear accountable for discriminatory

pay.

But Justice Ginsburg, reading her dissent from the bench,

said, "The Court does not comprehend or is indifferent

to the insidious way in which women can be victims of

discrimination.

Once again, the ball is in Congress' court."

[Goldfarb sighs]

[man on radio] In another Supreme Court ruling,

-the majority determined-- -[radio clicks off]

Okay.

Okay, well...

I know that it doesn't seem like it, but, uh,

that's huge, Lilly.

They rarely read their dissent from the bench.

That means that you got to her.

It's their job...

to make sure the laws of our country protect us.

It's a Conservative court, it...

These are powerful groups.

We knew that it could go either way.

[soft mournful music]

[crying softly]

I screwed it up.

I screwed it all up.

[crying continues]

[Justice Ginsburg VO] "The ball is now in Congress'

court...

to correct the error...

into which...

my colleagues have fallen."

♪♪♪

[Jocelyn] Mrs. Ledbetter.

I'm Jocelyn Samuels from the National Women's Law Center in

DC.

You came all the way from Washington just to talk to me?

Yes, I did.

The Court made a terrible mistake today.

I'm wondering if you have a few minutes?

Well, I wish you'd called before you came.

Come on! I'll make coffee.

You mean a law that says companies can't cheat women?

[Jocelyn] A law that would make every unfair paycheck a

discriminatory act, not just the first.

So people would have time to fight back.

Rosa DeLauro and George Miller are introducing the Fair Pay

Act in the House of Representatives.

[phone rings]

Excuse me.

-Hello? -[woman on phone] Hi!

This is The New York Times calling.

-Lilly Ledbetter, please? -Uh, this is she.

[whispering] It's The New York Times!

[woman on phone] Would you available for an interview

tomorrow with one of our journalists?

-Uh...sure. -[woman] Great.

I-- I think I can do that.

[woman] So, then, we'll call you later to schedule, okay?

Okay.

-Th-- thank you, bye. -[woman] Bye-bye.

[chuckles]

[Jocelyn] When you're in a fight,

you think you're the only one, but women all over the country

-need this! -[phone rings]

-[Lilly] Excuse me.

[Justice Ginsburg VO] It's very hard to do anything as a

-loner. [Lilly] Hello?

[man on phone] Hi, this is the NBC Nightly News with

Brian Williams...

[Justice Ginsburg VO] But if you get together with

like-minded people, you can be a force...

-for change. O-- okay.

-[man] Thank you very much. -Sure!

[man] Scheduling will call you later to set up a time.

[Lilly] We'll talk later, thank you.

[man] Thank you.

You've become the face of women's inequity in the

workplace.

Justice Ginsburg said it!

Congress needs to hear from you to push this law along!

To make it real!

I-- I don't know about politics or anything except...

making tires and keeping a checkbook straight...

baking and sewing, of course.

Not being an expert is the very thing that is so powerful

about you!

But it is hard work.

And you'd have to be up for a long slog again.

[front door opens]

-[door shuts] -[Charles] Oh!

Hello.

-[Lilly] We lost. -Yeah, I-- I heard.

Are you okay?

Oh, this is Jocelyn Samuels.

She wants me to go to Washington to meet some people

-in Congress. -Hello.

My husband, Charles.

-Hello. -[chuckles]

[Jocelyn] Hello.

I...

I appreciate you coming here, but...

really, I'm tired.

I just wanna enjoy my grandkids and...

help Charles through everything.

[Jocelyn] I hope you'll think about it.

-Nice meeting you both. -You too.

Thank you so much.

[door opens]

[door shuts]

I'm sorry about before. About Phillip.

I was gonna tell ya, of course.

[sighs] So, uh, what are you gonna do?

[Lilly chuckles] Vacuum the living room.

NBC's coming to interview me tomorrow.

-[chuckles] -Wow.

No, I mean about Washington.

I'm not having you use me as an excuse.

-[car engine starts] -So, go on.

Go get her before she leaves.

Go on.

[exciting music]

[Lilly] Jocelyn!

[Justice Ginsburg VO] Every time I write a dissent,

I'm hoping for one result:

either congressional change or, the other,

that the Court will overrule its prior...

wrong decision.

Who was it who said "It ain't over 'til it's over?"

Marcia!

Mrs. Ledbetter...

-Mr. Goldfarb! -Hi.

I am so delighted to finally meet you.

[Jocelyn] Marcia's my boss.

She's the one that found your story.

Your story jumped out at me, like other American women

whose legacy made a difference!

People are going to remember your name!

I don't know about that. [chuckles]

Mrs. Ledbetter! Welcome to Washington!

Good luck! See you inside.

[Marcia] That is George Miller,

and Rosa DeLauro -- the bill's sponsors.

I-- I didn't realize there would be so many people.

-Just be yourself. -[Marcia] So!

What do you do to shake off nerves before your dance

competitions?

[Lilly] I dream about winning the lottery.

[Marcia laughs]

That is priceless! [laughs]

Good morning.

I'm Lilly Ledbetter, and I'm here to tell you...

how my employer of almost 20 years discriminated against me,

and how I fought back.

I was an underdog, like David, who slayed Goliath...

without the slingshot, of course.

[laughter]

The thing is...

where I come from, we loved our Goliath.

Everybody you knew who had a good job worked at Goodyear

Tire Company.

During World War II, when the men went off to fight in the

war, my-- my aunt, Maddie Belle,

practically ran the place!

And when I got hired into the management program,

I was honored.

But that company took advantage of me,

like so many companies are taking advantage of their

workers, and that just isn't right!

[murmurs of agreement]

And so, I'm here... [chuckles]

hoping that you folks'll fix this...

for the American people,

to make sure that what happened to me...

[sighs]

doesn't happen to anybody else.

-Thank you. -[applause]

[Justice Ginsburg VO] The US Supreme Court decides

"Lilly, you sued too late!

This law, Title VII, says you must complain within 180 days

of the discriminatory incident."

My theory in dissent...

was that every paycheck she received renewed the

discrimination.

With this bill, we'll reinstate that every paycheck

is a new discriminatory act.

It may not sound like sweeping reform,

but think of it like building heat --

you start with one hot coal, and by the end,

you have a bonfire.

-This is the coal. -[DeLauro] Mm-hm.

Your being here will help us get Congress on board.

Then, we just pray President Bush doesn't veto.

Kinda sad that gender equity has a political affiliation.

[Marcia] You did great today, Lilly.

Now, we need you to talk up the bill to members of the

House and the Senate.

How many are there?

[DeLauro] 435 in the House,

100 in the Senate.

-I'm gonna talk to 535 people? -No!

-Of course not, right? -[laughs]

We'll start with the Southern bloc and the women.

Okay.

Hope you have thick skin.

[Marcia] We'll need 225 votes for the bill to pass,

and we've got two weeks to get them.

How many meetings can I do in a day?

That depends on you.

And them, of course.

Well...

don't underestimate this one.

She's a Wonder Woman.

[soft heartwarming music]

[Lilly] Thank you, Jon.

For seeing something in me I didn't even know that was

there myself.

Girl gumption, Lilly.

♪♪♪

[Lilly] I-- I-- I am so...

I-- I'm so thrilled!

I am thrilled -- thrilled! -- to meet you.

I'm Lilly Ledbetter.

I...

I'm so happy to be here.

I am. [crunch]

I'm-- I'm so happy to meet you.

I'm just...

I'm-- I'm just happy. [crunch]

Dan McGintry!

It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Kohler.

How are ya? Have a seat.

[groans]

I'm a big fan of your campaigns protecting coal and steel.

Alabama's indebted to you.

Of course, on a personal level,

my campaign skyrocketed after all your support.

-I assume you're familiar with the Goodyear fiasco.

-Of course.

[Kohler] The Left is trotting out the Ledbetter woman like

she's some kind of martyr.

[McGintry VO] See, I don't think you need to worry about

her; she's just a cranky old biddy.

Limiting pay liability is the key to ensuring jobs remain in

this country.

-It's a slippery slope. -[McGintry VO] Yes, sir.

[Kohler VO] You want the big political career?

This is on you now.

[sighs]

It's good meeting you, Congressman.

♪ I started dancing again the day I finally left you ♪

♪ And I started praying and saying "Amen" ♪

♪ Just to get through ♪

♪ Now there ain't no stoppin' ♪

♪ Ain't no stoppin' this train... ♪

[man VO] No, sorry.

The Congressman is completely booked.

Perhaps next month.

♪ Ain't no stoppin' ♪

♪ Ain't no stoppin' this train... ♪

-Excuse me, Congressman-- -Excuse me.

♪ I took the long way but I came back around ♪

♪ All of the hard days are over now ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ Love is a fire burnin' in my heart ♪

♪ I got back my rhythm... ♪

At least they listened!

Did they?

♪ Ain't no stoppin' this train ♪

♪ Train ♪

Giving folks time to fight back.

You have a compelling story, Lilly.

But I have to focus my efforts on Alaska's priorities.

I'm sorry.

Senator Snowe!

Sorry, Jocelyn, I've got a meeting.

Just want you to meet Lilly Ledbetter.

Nice to meet you, Lilly.

I know about the bill, it's a good idea,

and I'm always advocating for women,

but there's a right time for everything,

and, unfortunately, this just isn't it for me.

[Lilly] C'mon.

Excuse me, Congressman.

I'm Lilly Ledbetter from Alabama.

[McGintry] Yes.

[chuckling] Welcome, please.

Have a seat!

Thank you.

I-- I wanna talk to you about something.

[McGintry] You know, I'm sorry to say...

but you're being manipulated.

Well, that's hardly a way to start a conversation.

-[chuckles] -[McGintry] They're using you!

This Liberal lobby, they'll do anything,

ruin anyone's life to make a point.

Employment equity affects everybody no matter what party.

Your husband has cancer.

And yet, here you are, in another city,

when you could be at home...

praying with him.

I mean, what's more important than being the healing force

that only a wife could be during such a trying time?

What about your vows?

"In sickness and in health?"

Yeah, they pump you up... [sighs]

make you feel important.

But you're not one of them, and you never will be.

You're a country girl who grew up swimming in Doc Brewster's

pond! [chuckles]

That's right.

So I know how to burn off a leech.

[soft ominous music]

[sighs]

♪♪♪

[gavel bangs]

[Miller] This hearing will address proposed legislation

regarding the upcoming vote on pay discrimination.

I now recognize Mr. Mullen for five minutes.

Thank you, Mister Chairman and members of the committee for

giving me the opportunity to testify.

My name is Neil Mullen, and I am here to testify on behalf

of the Chamber of Commerce about proposed legislation to

reverse the Supreme Court decision in Ledbetter v.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber.

Now, the rule emanating from this decision is simple:

any employee that believes that he or she has been

treated discriminatorily by an employer,

that matter should be raised internally,

and promptly.

For the good part of 19 years with the company,

Mrs. Ledbetter knew about her lower salary--

That's a lie.

-[murmuring] -[gavel bangs]

Mrs. Ledbetter, you'll have your chance to speak.

You knew you were being paid less than your male

counterparts years before initiating your claim!

You waited to retire before suing.

Mr. Mullen, do you really believe I chose to work 20

years knowing I was being cheated and discriminated

against, just so I could wait to sue?

Does that make any sense in this world, sir?!

[murmuring]

-[judge] Order! -[gavel bangs]

[groans]

No more.

No.

I want you to know I'm not going back to Washington.

It's just too much.

That's bullshit.

[knocking]

Hey!

-Hey. -[doctor] How're you feeling?

[Charles] Oh, fine, just...

a little numb.

[doctor] I'm afraid I don't have the best news.

We found evidence of metastasis.

Surgery is no longer an option.

What am I lookin' at, Doc?

You know, time-wise?

[doctor] It's hard to say.

Maybe a year.

Could be longer.

Try to enjoy your time together.

[soft somber music]

-We'll talk next week, okay? -Sure.

Thank you.

♪♪♪

[door shuts]

♪♪♪

[whispering] Hey.

Hey.

C'mere.

C'mon.

♪♪♪

[sighs] Now, listen to me.

You are not gonna stop doing what you're doing.

You're going to Washington tomorrow,

and you're gonna raise all kinds of hell.

[Lilly chuckles]

-You'll get those votes. -[Lilly chuckles]

I'm proud of you, babe.

You understand me?

I am so damn proud.

[suspenseful music]

[Kennedy VO] Here, in the United States Senate,

our Republican friends wanna say,

"Oh, no...

we're going to permit...

discrimination against women...

because they didn't have adequate notice...

that the discrimination was taking place?!

Because the employer didn't give 'em that notice when they

gave them a paycheck...

that was unequal to their male counterparts!

The CBS poll on women say the number-one issue that they

face is equal pay for equal or comparable work!

If, in fact, this is not a problem,

why does every woman in every poll make this a number-one

issue?!

I ask that we make it a number-one issue in the Senate!

If you work hard and do a good job,

you should be rewarded no matter what you look like,

where you come from, or what gender you are.

That's what this bill is about,

that's why I'm supporting this bill,

and that's why I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I'm hoping that this chamber with stand up for fundamental

fairness for women in the workplace.

I'm hoping you will stand up and vote...

to make it clear that women who get up every single day

and go to work deserve to be paid equally to their male

counterparts.

That's all Lilly Ledbetter wanted,

and that is what we should deliver today.

Mr. Moran of Virginia...

Mr. Moran of Virginia votes aye.

Mr. Boucher...

[DeLauro] I've got an assistant on the floor.

-We'll know any minute. -Mr. Boucher votes aye.

Mr. Larsen of Washington.

-[phone rings] -[DeLauro] Oh, there she is!

Okay, we just need one more vote.

[Murkoswki] Ms. Harman votes aye.

-225! -[cheering]

-Yes! -[DeLauro] We got it!

Congratulations!

[sighs]

You made a big impression, Lilly.

-[chuckles] -The bill is passed!

Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the

-table! -[phone buzzing]

-[beep] -Yeah?

Thank you.

[DeLauro, chuckling] Well, thank you.

You should be very proud. Nice job.

Oh, boy...

Okay, thanks.

Bush is threatening to veto.

The Republican senators we need won't vote against Bush

if he vetos the bill.

So after all that...

we're back to square one.

[woman on TV] Today, the Fair Pay Act was filibustered by

Republicans in the Senate in response to President Bush's

threat to veto.

Although the bill had passed in the House,

Republicans have killed it, putting the future at risk--

[soft somber music]

The calcium carbonate in the egg shell is the same as the

calcium carbonate in some outdoor statues.

When vinegar reacts with the egg shell,

it mimics the actions of acid rain on these statues.

-Well done! -That's great!

[Charles chuckles]

-I'm back. -I spoke with Senator Mikulski.

She said she'll resurrect the bill in the next session if

-the Democrats keep control! -If.

I know it's hard to see, Lilly,

but the momentum's building on both sides of the aisle.

And Clinton and Obama are each making fair pay a central

-issue in their campaigns! -[doorbell rings]

Go get that, will you, son?

[door opens]

Hi, I'm here to see Mrs. Ledbetter.

[Alex] Gram, it's for you!

Hold on a second.

Thank you, honey.

Ruby Lawrence from the Obama campaign in Birmingham.

[Lilly] Oh!

-Hey! -Mrs. Ledbetter!

I'm from Hillary Clinton's campaign.

-She'd very much like-- -Senator Obama is eager to have

you join his campaign.

[Lilly] Uh...

just a moment, give me a moment.

-Yes, ma'am! -Yes, ma'am.

[exciting music]

[chuckling] Obama and Clinton people are here at my door,

asking for my help.

Do I have to choose now?

No!

Campaign for both if you like!

♪♪♪

[Lilly] Because Hillary Clinton knows that these are

not women's issues, they're family issues,

and that women's rights are human rights,

and this fight is for all women everywhere.

[clapping]

The equal pay for equal work law has been around for

40-plus years.

It's not being enforced.

And a lot of women are discriminated against

in the workplace.

Women are still being fired in American jobs for getting

pregnant -- something that we thought had ended decades ago.

Women earn far less than men, are passed over for

promotions, and harassed at work.

Barack Obama's gonna do something about that.

Won't stop acid rain.

[laughter]

[Obama VO] And now is the time to keep the promise of equal

pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to

have the exact same opportunities as your sons!

[man VO] With yesterday's victory in the Montana

primary, Senator Obama will secure the Democratic

nomination.

Senator Clinton is expected to formally end her candidacy and

endorse Obama, making him the party's presumptive nominee...

I hate leaving you.

Oh, you'll be back tonight.

Well, I'd feel better if Vicky weren't out of town.

Oh, quit fussin'!

I'll be fine, I'll be fine.

[groans]

I wish you could come.

What, deprive myself of seeing my wife on TV?

My very own movie star, that's what you are.

[soft tender music]

[kiss]

[groans]

♪♪♪

[Kohler VO] Your Goodyear plaintiff's gonna be speaking

at the Democratic Convention.

You were supposed to wrap that up.

She is? I-- I tried, but she--

You wanted support for your campaign?

For your office?

That's earned when you get things done.

[engine revving]

Not for trying.

[smashing]

[tense ominous music]

[screeching]

We're done here.

♪♪♪

[clears throat]

[applause]

[Lilly on TV] Good evening.

I'm here to talk about America's commitment to

fairness...

and equality.

Equal pay for equal work.

[crowd, chanting] Equal pay for equal work.

Equal pay for equal work.

[all] Equal pay for equal work.

[crowd chanting continues]

With all of us working together,

we can have the change we need,

and the opportunity we deserve.

[cheers and applause]

[kettle whistling]

Charles?!

-[soft somber music] [convention playing on TV]

Oh, God...

[crying] Oh, God...

Oh, God...

[sobs]

♪♪♪

You have meant so much to him.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for making the drive.

Thank you.

-Nice to see y'all. -Thank you both.

Phil? Please don't go.

I wanna talk to you.

It's been so long.

My God...

Look at you.

I came to say goodbye to my father.

[Lilly] He loved you so much.

He loved you.

Always.

I wanted more for us.

Figured a nice house and a couple of cars would make me

count for something.

I wanted to prove I was more than that scrawny kid,

more than that nothin' Edna said I'd be.

But that job ate me up.

It trapped me in anger and frustration,

and I guess I thought...

being the first one in and the last one out of the factory

would prove that I was the best.

No matter what I did, it didn't matter.

I didn't know any of that,

what you were going through all that time.

You were so hard on me.

I know.

But you're my beautiful boy, Phil.

Can we start fresh?

Will you?

[soft heartwarming music]

[Phil] C'mere, Grace.

♪♪♪

[softly] Hey, Gracie.

Hey...

This is your grandma.

Grace...

Grace.

Hello.

[Grace] Hello.

♪♪♪

[Justice Roberts] And will, to the best of my ability...

And will, to the best of my ability...

[Justice Roberts] Preserve, protect,

and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Preserve, protect,

and defend the Constitution of the United States.

-[Justice Roberts] So help you God.

-So help me God.

- Congratulations, Mister President.

-[cheers and applause] -All the best wishes.

[Vicky] Mama!

Someone's here to see you!

[chuckles]

[Lilly] What are you doing here?

It's so good to see you!

[Jocelyn] Aw, Lilly...

Wonderful to see you.

C'mon, sit down! C'mon.

[Jocelyn] Lilly, you have go to come and visit!

Washington is a whole new place since the election!

I can feel it from here.

[Jocelyn] I had a meeting over in Birmingham,

so I thought I'd bring this over myself.

Oh!

Mama!

You look so beautiful!

He told me he was nervous to dance with me.

Heard I'd meddled in waltz and foxtrot.

He's a good dancer.

Nice, open carriage.

But when he told me...

he was naming the bill after me...

[chokes back tears]

We've got the votes in the House this time,

but the Senate's another story,

especially if the business lobby scores the vote.

What's that mean?

It's like a report card.

The folks who finance the candidates use it to keep the

legislators in line.

You get a bad grade, you don't get funding for your

reelection.

That's disgusting!

If they do, that's it, we're done.

There won't be any Fair Pay Act.

So, you're asking me to come back?

Meeting in Birmingham, my ass!

[laughter]

Mrs. Ledbetter, I have a meeting.

-It-- it'll just be a minute. -I'm listening.

I understand everything you do is to bolster the American

economy, and-- and I respect that.

But women aren't the enemy of the economy,

we're the backbone!

I've seen your stump speech.

And I've seen the polling.

Don't score the vote.

You'll be making a strategic error.

All women want equality, not just women from one party!

You can't afford to lose 51 percent of your voters.

I'm not so sure those numbers--

There are Republican senators who want to support this bill.

Do you want their seats to be collateral damage?

Think about the future.

Thank you for your time.

[upbeat pop music]

On this vote, the yeas are 61, the nays are 36.

Under the previous order, three fifths of the senators

duly chosen and sworn having voted in the affirmative,

-the bill is passed. -[cheers and applause]

[woman] Today is a great day in the United States Senate.

♪ Where did you lose the girl with no fear? ♪

♪ Oh, she never left ♪

♪ Take a good look, she's right in the mirror ♪

♪ Don't let yourself forget ♪

♪ Remember the fire ♪

♪ Remember her face ♪

♪ She felt the storm and danced out ♪

♪ In the pouring rain ♪

♪ Remember her laughing ♪

♪ Through all the pain ♪

♪ Remember the girl that didn't let anything ♪

♪ Get in her way ♪

♪ Remember her name... ♪

Would you like a refill?

Oh, no, thank you.

-Just a check, please. -Sure.

Anyone who meets Lilly can't help but be impressed by her

commitment, her dedication, her focus.

She knew unfairness when she saw it,

and was willing to do something about it,

because it was the right thing to do.

♪ Remember the girl that didn't let anything ♪

♪ Get in her way ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

♪ Oh ♪

[Michelle VO] And it is my honor...

to introduce this extraordinary woman,

whose hard work has brought us here today for this very

special occasion, and who has been an inspiration to women

and men all across this country.

♪♪♪

Breakfast is on us, ma'am.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, Lilly Ledbetter.

[cheers and applause]

♪ Remember her laughing ♪

♪ Through all the pain ♪

♪ Remember the girl that didn't let anything ♪

♪ Get in her way ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Where did you lose the girl with no fear? ♪

♪ Oh, she never left ♪

♪ Take a good look, she's right in the mirror ♪

♪ Don't let yourself forget ♪

♪ Remember her laughing ♪

♪ Through all the pain ♪

♪ Remember the girl that didn't let anything ♪

♪ Get in her way ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

♪ Remember her name ♪

[tender folk music]

♪ I'm not a pawn in someone's game ♪

♪ I'm the keeper of the score ♪

♪ I see 'em changing up the rules ♪

♪ So they're ending up with more ♪

♪ And I'm not ♪

♪ Gonna take it ♪

♪ Anymore ♪

♪ I'm not afraid to fight ♪

♪ I'm not afraid to fail ♪

♪ In my heart, I know what's right ♪

♪ So I'll be the first to tell 'em ♪

♪ I'm not ♪

♪ Gonna take it ♪

♪ Anymore ♪

♪ Mm, you cannot hold me down 'cause ♪

♪ There is a fire ♪

♪ Burning inside me ♪

♪ It might be a battle but I ♪

♪ Dare them to try me ♪

♪ I kicked down that door ♪

♪ 'Cause I know there's more ♪

♪ And I'm not the only one ♪

♪ Who will not take it anymore ♪

♪ Who will not take it? ♪

♪ Who will not take it anymore? ♪

♪ I will not take it ♪

♪ I will not take it anymore ♪

♪ We will not take it ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪

♪ Stand up and hold your ground ♪

♪ Even when your feet are tired ♪

♪ Pretty soon, they'll hear the sound ♪

♪ There's power in a choir ♪

♪ There is a fire ♪

♪ Burning inside you ♪

♪ Might be a battle but ♪

♪ You've got to try to ♪

♪ Kick down that door ♪

♪ You know there's more ♪

♪ You're not the only one ♪

♪ Who will not take it anymore ♪

♪ Who will not take it? ♪

♪ Who will not take it anymore? ♪

♪ You will not take it ♪

♪ You will not take it anymore ♪

♪ Who will not take it? ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪

♪ I will not settle for anything less ♪

♪ Than I deserve ♪

♪ You will not silence us ♪

♪ Our voices will be heard ♪

♪ I will be heard ♪

♪ You will be heard ♪

♪ We will be heard ♪

♪ There is a fire ♪

♪ Burning inside us ♪

♪ It might be a battle but ♪

♪ Tell them to try us ♪

♪ Kick down that door ♪

♪ We know there's more ♪

♪ We're not the only ones ♪

♪ Who will not take it anymore ♪

♪ Who will not take it? ♪

♪ Who will not take it anymore? ♪

♪ I will not take it ♪

♪ I will not take it anymore ♪

♪ You will not take it ♪

♪ You will not take it anymore ♪

♪ We will not take it ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪

♪ We will not take it ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪

♪ We will not take it ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪

♪ We will not take it ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪

♪ We will not take it ♪

♪ We will not take it anymore ♪