The TWU Air Transport Division Working Women's Committee (ATDWWC) held their second meeting of the year on June 14, hosted by Local 568 President Sidney Jimenez at the local's union hall in Miami, Florida. Two new representatives, Angie Bell from Local 514 and Shannon Smith from Local 525, joined the 21 women in attendance from ATD locals across the country.

The Committees' primary goal is to mentor women for leadership roles in their locals and communities. By influencing change, they work hard to energize coworkers and educate them about workplace harassment and discrimination.

Guest speakers shared their experiences overcoming career obstacles. Libby Herrera-Navarette, a labor attorney for Local 568, who specializes in employment discrimination and sexual harassment litigation was one speaker who addressed the group. Patricia Ireland, also a labor attorney, and the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), shared her experience working as a flight attendant for Pan American Airways before returning to school to earn a law degree. Ireland said that “back in those days” when the company offered family coverage only for men she turned to NOW for help, which is when her relationship with the organization began. Ireland holds honorary degrees from: The University of Western Massachusetts College of Law, The University of Rhode Island, Indiana University and Sweetbriar College. She is working on a second book to follow her 1996 political autobiography, What Women Want.

Other speakers: were Deborah Dion, Political Director for the South Florida AFL-CIO, who discussed the importance of local and national political campaigns. Dion explained the importance of the Paycheck Fairness Bill and asked WWC members to contact their state representatives in support of the bill. Maria Greco, a professional pilot, spoke to the ATDWWC about overcoming her family's objection to her earning a pilot's license at the age of sixteen. Greco started her own air charter business despite discrimination from male pilots and passengers that would not fly with a female pilot at the controls. Greco, now a mother of ten, is featured in a traveling exhibit of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and in a book by Carolyn Russo; Women in Aviation.

Jeannie Driscoll, Managing Director of American Airlines Cargo in Miami also addressed the group.

Cope Director Alex Garcia extended an open invitation to WWC members to participate in TWU's State Conferences held across the country. International Organizer Steve Roberts gave an update on campaigns and history of Local 500, which was the first TWU Local in the new Air Transport Division, organized in 1945.

Several WWC members distributed leaflets on the benefits of unionism to Jet Blue flight attendants on the final day of the meeting at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Local 568 members Joyce Frissora and Gilda Brown Suluki presented the results of their research on skin cancer, and Sister Suluki gave an informative presentation on the treatment and prevention of the disease. Newcomer Angie Bell said, "I was truly amazed by the strength and power of the women in the room; I've never experienced so much sisterhood."

The next WWC meeting is scheduled for October 14-16 in Hurst, Texas. A community service project supporting the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" is scheduled for October 16. For details go to www.atdwwc.org