In honor of Women’s History Month, we dove deep into the TWU archives. In those archives we found not just TWU history but history about our TWU Women in the workforce. In light of those findings we would like to take a moment to honor those women.
Dorothea Williams, TA railroad clerk from Local 100, was able to take a two week vacation to Florida thanks to her local. “I’m extremely grateful to TWU that after only two years on the job I was able to take a two-week vacation in Florida where I saw a lot of the wonderful sights the state has to offer,” Williams said in a 1963 news article.
Anthanette Height, railroad clerk, spoke in a newspaper article about a recent contract win that was their “best win” since the 40-hour work week. “I’ve been on the job now for 11 years and in the union for nine. In addition to the take home pay, hospitalization – I have two children – helps me a lot,” Height said in a 1962 news article.
Aylise Bruns from TWU Local 540 became the first female flight dispatcher for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Bruns became a flight dispatcher in 1974 after joining as a flight dispatcher clerk in 1972.
In an undated newspaper clipping we found an interview from Rose Glory, Sect 132 railroad clerk, where she recounts how they used to work all day with no lunch break for 29 cents an hour up to 41 or 43 cents. Now they’re getting back pay of about $172.
Our TWU women both then and now know what it is to be strong. They are part of what makes us strong as a whole, as a union, as TWU.