Flight Attendant Union Honors Visionary Women For Overcoming Social Injustice Portrayed in ‘Pan Am’ Drama (AFA-CWA)

October 5, 2011

“The premiere episode of the new Pan Am drama on ABC may be a nostalgic escape to the days before deregulation, but it also highlighted the myriad of social injustices overcome by the strong women who shaped a new career.  Weight checks, girdle checks, the no marriage rule, sexism, gender discrimination, racism – all of this was challenged by intelligent, visionary women who helped to usher in the call for social change throughout the country and around the world.

“As union members, the generation that crewed 1960s Pan American World Airways and their other airline counterparts, Flight Attendants fortified their voice to press airline management and Capitol Hill for equal rights, recognition of their work and improved aviation health and safety standards that benefit the traveling public.  Negotiating contract improvements for middle class pay, proper rest, health care and retirement benefits ensured the skilled ‘stewardesses’ set career standards that provided new opportunities for all women and men.  These safety professionals – now certified by the Federal Aviation Administration – set the stage for continued social awakening including equal benefits such as recognizing domestic partners.

Complete Press Release HERE