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Celebrating Our Union and the Legacy of Flight Attendants

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As we close out the month of March, we celebrate the history of Women and the evolution of the Flight Attendant profession. Our legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in Unions, and women like the “Fab Five” who tirelessly advocated for equality and representation in the workforce.

Who are the “Fab Five?” Over 78 years ago, Sally Watt, Edith Lauterbach, Shirley Thometz, Ada Brown, & Frances Hall established AFA to amplify female voices in the workplace. The first Association of Flight Attendants Contract, ratified in 1946, focused on defining working hours, establishing seniority rights, improving work conditions, determining pay rates, and establishing fair procedures for resolving workplace disputes.

These women were not the only female leaders who made efforts to spearhead diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities; women like Ellen Church, Thelma Jean Harman, and Ruth Carol Taylor fought for some of the improvements we still see today.

Ellen Church dreamed of becoming a pilot—a dream out of reach for most women of her time. Instead of settling for less, she approached Boeing Air Transport in 1930 with a revolutionary idea: to employ nurses on flights. Her vision led to the birth of the "Stewardess" role, fundamentally changing the landscape of the airline industry. Ellen's determination opened doors for women in aviation and laid the groundwork for collective action that Unions continue to champion.

Thelma Jean Harman is celebrated as the first Flight Attendant at TWA in 1934 and was instrumental in establishing the airline's air hostess program. As the first Flight Attendant Instructor, she trained countless women, creating a legacy of empowerment and mentorship that resonates through our Union today—the pioneering spirit of women like Thelma understood that collective strength is essential for progress.

Ruth Carol Taylor made history in 1958 as the first African American Flight Attendant for Mohawk Airlines. Her journey was fraught with challenges, including discrimination and forced resignation after marriage. However, Ruth's resilience transformed her into a fierce advocate for civil rights in the workplace. Her activism laid the groundwork for future generations of Flight Attendants, highlighting the crucial role of Unions in championing the rights of women and minorities. In 2008, her contributions were formally recognized, underscoring the ongoing fight for equality that Unions continue to lead.

In celebrating the achievements of women across the industry and within our Unions, we recognize that their struggles and successes are intertwined with the broader fight for Labor Rights and social justice. The Flight Attendants' journey is not just a story of individual triumphs, but a collective narrative fueled by the unwavering spirit of Solidarity. Together, we will continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.