Throughout my college career, I have become more and more aware of America's history in regards to inequality. Class Action brought up one of the most publicized forms of inequality in our nation, which is the inequality between men and women, especially in the workplace. Today, women are still only making $0.74-$0.76 on the dollar that every man makes, but that is only a mild form of the inequality that occurred only 30 years ago.

On March 25, 1975, Lois Jensen begins work at Eveleth Taconite in the mines to earn enough money to support her young son so they both could get off welfare. While the pay was very good, Lois, and other women who worked at the mines, endured sexual harassment that ranged from sexual comments to inappropriate touching and coercion by the male workers. Twelve years later, Lois finally decides that the only way to deal with the sexual harassment is through legal action since none of her bosses in the mines will correct the male workers' behaviors. Unfortunately, Lois only endures more hardship through trying to gain support of the other women at the mines, retain her job, and keep her sanity while being harassed even more. Lois's commitment to "right the wrong" of how the men treated the women at the mines brings up many questions of our society and what is legal that reside within.

Class Action helps us evaluate male privilege in the workforce, laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and how they were upheld, the immortal power of companies, and the human cost to achieve social change. It is astounding to read the type of harassment that these women endured and to realize that it happened in other parts of the country, and to some extent, still does today. The only things that Lois Jensen truly wanted was knowing that women would not have to live what she did through the company adopting a sexual harassment policy and an apology. She never got the apology, but thankfully, the former occurred on December 30, 1998.

The was a great book if you are interested in Civil Rights history and activism, women's rights, the jural system in relation to gender, and the economics of inequality. While Lois, other women, and the mines settled in 1998, the women essentially lost. After all that had happened, to achieve this precedent for sexual harassment law the women had to sacrifice their lives. This ultimately brings up the issue of how we have to be martyrs to make any social change truly happen.

The book is so much better than the movie. It gives you a much truer sense of what the women went through. Which is to be expected, of course, but I was surprised at the changes in the movie.

I assume that you will have seen the Movie first. I would have never heard of this book, without references in the DVD. BUT it is not necessary that you see the movie first. AND if you see the movie after reading the book be prepared for differences. But aside from comparisons, this is a terrific read about the first successful Sexual Harrassment case in the USA. It is set in the North Country made famous by Mr. Zimmerman. In fact some of the scenes and some of the characters are from Hibbing. Hero is one of the many misused words in Americana. But hero could be safely applied to the Lawyers who defended Lois Jenen.

I grew up on "da range" and I'm familiar with the mines. My hometown is Hoyt Lakes, not very far from Eveleth. My dad and one of my uncles worked at LTV Steel outside of Hoyt Lakes, I think even my brother worked there for a while. I don't remember hearing anything of the trial. Back in 1998 I was 9 years old. I became familiar with it, when they were filming the movie North Country while I was going to the community college in Virginia. I've watched the movie multiple times. Then this summer in one of my English classes we were required to read Class Action. By the time the class finished I hadn't finished the book yet, but that didn't stop me from reading it. This is a really great book, and I've had a hard time putting it down. Its so interesting to learn the facts of the case, and was even more surprised when I recognized some of the last names of the people. I haven't quite finished yet, I have about 60 pages to go. I keep finding myself getting irritated with the rulings of Judge McNulty. This is a very important book, and in my opinion everyone should read it.

When women marry, bear children, become caregivers and foundations of families, manage households and bugets, attend numerous activities for their husbands and children, wash, iron, cook, clean and hold down full-time jobs, why wouldn't we ascend to great heights when we decide to take on big business and the likes of sexual harassment? I cannot applaude these women enough!! If it were not for these women there might still be this type of behavior in the workplace. Shame on the judges, courts, lawyers, management, supervisors, and the employee workforce of the mining industry of Minnesota for allowing this type of behavior in the workplace. May the thousand of men who feel the female is beneath them have the courage to read this book and honestly admit some of you need to clean up your acts. Your behavior in the home, workplace, and on the street speaks more of you than it does of the women you label with vulgar words and gestures. The books you buy and the clubs your frequent only lets us know who amongst you are the winners and losers! These women chose betterment for themselves and shame on those men who decided to take their right to work away from them through intimidation, threats, sexually explict language and pictures, and degrading them on a daily basis.

I hope Minnesota has cleaned up their act in our workplaces and men truly treat women with respect and dignity when women come out to do a job! It isn't a man's world, it never was!

Kushner, M.
Truth About Caffeine, The
SCR Books

Like some other reviewers I came across this book after seeing the movie North Country. The movie though is just good entertainment pulling at the heartstrings and very loosely based on the legal problems of single mother Lois Jenson.

The book, I'm pleased to say, is much more gripping and will keep you turning the pages until the end. I thought it raised various issues like:

*Why did the legal aspects of this case take from 1984 until a settlement in 1998? In 1997 a judgement from the Eighth Circuit court commented on the 'inordinate delay' and that it simply was not possible for the parties to get justice 'when a final outcome is issued more than ten years' after the case was filed and more than fifteen years since Lois started her class action.

*Why did the mineworkers union maintain such a male chauvinist view towards its female members? I always assumed that Minnesota folk, historically populated by hard working European immigrants in a hostile physical environment would have been much more sympathetic to the sexual harassment that went on year after year in the mines. In fact very few males come out of this story with much credibility, from the mine management down to the union, they are really shown to be sexist and ultra conservative when females start to (legally) work in their domain.

*Why did it take so long for the mines main insurance company, who were going to be the ultimate payers of any compensation, to get to grips with the case? When they did get closely involved in 1998 the problems seemed to evaporate and the ladies got their money

The authors write in a simple straightforward style fortunately avoiding flowery generalisations that seem a staple of non-fiction writing. The story unfolds in a logically time frame from March 1975 to the final financial settlement in November 1998. Early on there is an excellent historical overview of the Mesabi Range and the importance of the raw materials lying just under the surface. A nice touch I thought was the frequent explanations of points of law and how these affected the progress of the case.

A couple of points occurred to me as a read the book: I would have liked to see a listing at the start describing the principals, frequently a name popped up and I wondered who the person was having seen a mention maybe a hundred pages earlier. So much of the story describes the mine and other buildings, a simple diagram of the plant layout would have been helpful.

'Class Action' is a powerful narrative about a hostile working environment and the legal system and it reminds of a quote by Thomas Noon Talfourd:
Fill the seats of justice
With good men not so absolute in goodness
As to forget what human frailty is.

BTW. I wanted to see photos of the four heroes of the book, the wonderful Lois Jenson and her legal team Paul Sprenger, Jane Lang and Jean Boler and I found them all through Google Images.

Like some other reviewers I came across this book after seeing the movie North Country. The movie though is just good entertainment pulling at the heartstrings and very loosely based on the legal problems of single mother Lois Jenson.

The book, I'm pleased to say, is much more gripping and will keep you turning the pages until the end. I thought it raised various issues like:

*Why did the legal aspects of this case take from 1984 until a settlement in 1998? In 1997 a judgement from the Eighth Circuit court commented on the 'inordinate delay' and that it simply was not possible for the parties to get justice 'when a final outcome is issued more than ten years' after the case was filed and more than fifteen years since Lois started her class action.

*Why did the mineworkers union maintain such a male chauvinist view towards its female members? I always assumed that Minnesota folk, historically populated by hard working European immigrants in a hostile physical environment would have been much more sympathetic to the sexual harassment that went on year after year in the mines. In fact very few males come out of this story with much credibility, from the mine management down to the union, they are really shown to be sexist and ultra conservative when females start to (legally) work in their domain.

*Why did it take so long for the mines main insurance company, who were going to be the ultimate payers of any compensation, to get to grips with the case? When they did get closely involved in 1998 the problems seemed to evaporate and the ladies got their money

The authors write in a simple straightforward style fortunately avoiding flowery generalisations that seem a staple of non-fiction writing. The story unfolds in a logically time frame from March 1975 to the final financial settlement in November 1998. Early on there is an excellent historical overview of the Mesabi Range and the importance of the raw materials lying just under the surface. A nice touch I thought was the frequent explanations of points of law and how these affected the progress of the case.

A couple of points occurred to me as a read the book: I would have liked to see a listing at the start describing the principals, frequently a name popped up and I wondered who the person was having seen a mention maybe a hundred pages earlier. So much of the story describes the mine and other buildings, a simple diagram of the plant layout would have been helpful.

'Class Action' is a powerful narrative about a hostile working environment and the legal system and it reminds of a quote by Thomas Noon Talfourd:
Fill the seats of justice
With good men not so absolute in goodness
As to forget what human frailty is.

BTW. I wanted to see photos of the four heroes of the book, the wonderful Lois Jenson and her legal team Paul Sprenger, Jane Lang and Jean Boler and I found them all through Google Images.

A story of great courage and resolve, of working conditions beyond the pale, and the vicissitudes of the courts. Well written, in journalistic style, this is a page-turner, as well as being thoroughly researched, and factually accurate.

This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. This is something our school kids should be required to read as well. The 2 ladies who wrote this book did an excellent job of telling Lois Jenson's real story. Her story, while tragic, needs to be told. The movie doesn't do this book justice.

This is a must read for anyone considering a civil suit. Unlike the other reviewers, I did not feel this book glorified the lawyers. On the contrary, Bingham and Gangsler went further than any other writer by exposing the cost of litigation - the abuse and exploitation of injured litigants by lawyers and judges who make their living off our courts. Lori Jenson is the only heroine in this story. Through the authors I felt her pain and realized her sacrifice for all of us.

But, the screenwriters of North Country made a mistake by concentrating on the sexual harassment part of this story in their version of this book. It is as if they did not read past the first few chapters. The screen writers either missed the message or underestimated the fears of litigants in the over 100 million cases filed each year in American courts. The wider scope of injustice, the legal and judicial wrongs exposed in this book, would have made a better story. But, even if you appreciated the movie, North Country, you need to read this story. The truths it reveals about America's justice system demands that Class Action be a part of everyone's personal library.

This book was such a smart & compelling read. I finished it very fast & I'm normally a slow reader. I had to find out if these ladies got justice. It's amazing to think much of their abuse happened in current times 70's-2000. This book is heartbreaking, but inspiring as well. Gets caught up in the legal terms at times, but fascinating none-the-less.

This book was such a smart & compelling read. I finished it very fast & I'm normally a slow reader. I had to find out if these ladies got justice. It's amazing to think much of their abuse happened in current times 70's-2000. This book is heartbreaking, but inspiring as well. Gets caught up in the legal terms at times, but fascinating none-the-less.

I really enjoyed the book. Being from the "Range" and previouly working in the mines, I felt like I was back there again. The book was very discriptive and made me feel sorry for all of the women that broke ground for those that followed.

This book should be recommended reading to those taking sexual harassment orientation upon starting a new job. It was thorough, accurate, and met all expectations of its title. While in college I drove a truck in the Mesabi taconite mine, and during my career I arranged sexual harassment seminars for my employer. But only after reading this book did I truly understand the need for the sexual harassment laws we now have in the USA.

Bob H.

Class Action is a compelling documentary on the court case, Jensen vs. Eveleth Mining, that underscores how ignorance, combined with the pack mentality, can be ruthless in its effort to silence a woman's right to work in a male-oriented work environment.

Clara Bingham and Laura Leedy Gansler wrote this book with such accuracy and simplicity, anyone reading this will clearly understand how this court case changed the landscape of employment rights, discrimination and harassment reporting by anyone wishing to be gainfully employed.

From the first paragraph to the last, I was held spellbound by this masterful recreation of one the most significant court cases to impact a woman's right to equality in the work place without the intrusion of sexual harassment or escalating hostilities.

This is a must read for anyone who has an interest in court cases that have shaped women's rights.

What one woman started--and these women suffered, has been equaled by women who early on in this equality path joined law enforcement as street cops, became firefighters and entered other male-dominated workplaces. Brave pioneers, every one of them. Women today should show them extreme gratitude for the risks they took then to give us opportunities today.

Armchair Interviews says: Imagine being a woman in a small mining town willing to put herself on the line, against neighbors, friends and family--to stand up for her rights. The movie, North Country tells the story well, but the book does "the truth" very, very well.

I saw the movie, North Country and had to read the book. It was so alive. Both the book and the movie are great in their own way. The story of the trials of Lois and her co-workers gave me an 'ah, ha' moment. After this story, I realized it was because of Lois that a family member was able to bring justice to a workplace here in Hawaii. Lois and the others paved the way for justice for us all.

I knew Lois Jensen - the mine experience sure brought out a side of her that I didn't know. It took a tremendous amount of guts to go through the ordeal. I viewed the movie North Country, and be warned it does NOT follow the book. The movie is good on its own, but does NOT follow the book. I don't take time to read many books, but this was sure worth it!

this book is based on the new movie North Country. I saw this movie this past weekend, and was just amazed at how gripping and emotional it was. It was without a doubt the best movie I have seen in a very long time, the acting is superb and I hope Charlize gets an Oscar. I have not read the book yet, and am buying it today, just because I want to learn more and read about this brave woman who stood up for her rights and had the courage to fight for something she believes in and for the right to be able to work without having to worry about all the things she was dealing with. After I read the book, i'm sure it will rate 5 stars as the movie absolutely did as well.

This book is a fantastic read! It's a true story, but reads like a thriller novel -- no wonder Charlize Theron wanted to star in the movie, which is out later this month. It's been re-titled NORTH COUNTRY (who thought of that!?), but it looks as terrific as the book. The movie also stars Woody Harrelson, Frances McDormand, Sissy Spacek. Niki Caro, director of "Whale Rider" directed. Charlize looks likes a shoe-in for another Oscar Award! But read the book first -- it's fantastic, and gives you lots of amazing inner stories that the movie couldn't have covered.

I could not put this book down. From the horrific working conditions of the women, the lack of respect from the unions and utter denial of management each page makes you madder than the next.

Then pile on top of it the lengthy courtroom battle, a truly evil judge (almost someone from Dickens) and a trial as horrific as the abuse itself you just root for Lois all through the book.

It also exceeds your expectations because it also shows how women can be each other's "worst enemy" in the workforce. Working against one another instead of supporting each other. The other women are victims but also vitimizers of Lois for taking a stand.

Lois' story shows how being a whistleblower can ruin your whole life. Financially, emotionally and healthwise. Doing the right thing for the future but ruining your own life is truly something that only martyrs do. Everyone who makes a difference in this world pays some kind of price for it. That is surely shown in this story.

I highly recommend!

This book is not only invaluable information for anyone considering a lawsuit against their employer - it is also a very gripping and engaging read.

I work for IBM and am president of an employee union organization (Alliance@IBM/CWA Local 1701). In my role I get a ton of inquiries from employees who want to sue IBM for some injustice. What most people do not understand is, that suing an employer is very difficult and expensive. What this book tells you is a real life story about what it takes - the sacrifices of the litigants, the friends, the lawyers - what it really takes to go through the years of work to actually carry out a class action lawsuit. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand what they may be undertaking if they feel they have been treated unfairly by their employer, and want to pursue a lawsuit.

For women interested in the whole issue of sexual discrimination, this is also a must-read book.

CAUTION: if you are a fingernail biter, read this book with your gloves on as the contents may cause you "finger" problems. This book reveals employee conduct that is unbelievable, yet true. The authors present a complex case with simplicity that should keep you reading through the night. I read this aloud to my wife and she loved it. There are more twists and turns in this story than any body of fiction. Read it.

I finished CLASS ACTION last night and find myself stunned at (first) the treatment of the women who worked at the mine and (second) the 10-year court battle. It is so inhumane that it's difficult to comprehend that it's all true. Brava to the authors for telling this important story. Now we have to find someone to make it into the next gripping, blockbuster movie!

Class Action is one of the best books I have ever read. I simply could not put it down once I started reading it. The story, itself, is gripping. If this were a work of fiction, it would stretch the imagination to believe that such things could happen. The fact that this is a true story just stuns the reader to the depth of the soul.
But, beyond the nature of the story, is the excellent writing. It is as engrossing as the best novel - cohesive, fast paced & intelligble. There is just enough legal background and explanation given to make the events understandable to the lay person without making the book a lesson in Civil Procedure.
I cannot recommend this book too highly. Thank you to the authors for bringing this story to the public in such an empathetic and understandable way, and to the women of the story who changed the lives of all human beings for the better.

This is a very well-written and engaging telling of a complicated story. As a lawyer involved in class action work, I know they not only got it right from a legal point of view, but were able to do so incisively and compellingly. It is a most important story that I hope is read by lawyers and lay people alike. It is a page turner, that should help.