Re “Redefining the Union Boss” (Nov. 20), which described how more women were assuming leadership roles in the labor movement:

I know about these strides first-hand. Over the last few decades, I have witnessed a middle-class revolution thanks to the tireless efforts of strong, primarily female union leaders. Together in the flight attendant profession, we worked to ban discrimination in the workplace based on marriage, weight, sex and pregnancy. We worked to have smoking outlawed in airline cabins and to enact stronger safety guidelines to protect ourselves and our passengers. The tireless effort of union leaders brought equity and dignity to my profession.

The early days of flying were fun and glamorous for a “stewardess.” Today, the job is much different, and the challenges union leaders face are infinitely more complicated. On Tuesday, American Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection. As I help my colleagues navigate these difficult times, I draw on the strength of the women who came before me.

Laura Glading

Waccabuc, N.Y., Nov. 29

The writer is president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents more than 17,000 American Airlines employees.

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