Iris Peterson
Encyclopedia
Iris Peterson is a retired flight attendant
who flew for United Airlines
for 60 years between 1946 and 2007. At the time of her retirement at the age of 85, she was #1 in terms of seniority.
When she started her career, job restrictions included age, gender, ethnicity and weight, which favored men and discriminated against women. A tribute to Peterson by the United Airlines Association of Flight Attendants
notes that she and her peers helped to destroy discriminatory practices, advancing the rights of women and uprooting gender discrimination.
Flight attendant
Flight attendants or cabin crew are members of an aircrew employed by airlines primarily to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers aboard commercial flights, on select business jet aircraft, and on some military aircraft.-History:The role of a flight attendant derives from that of similar...
who flew for United Airlines
United Airlines
United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees (which includes the entire holding company United Continental...
for 60 years between 1946 and 2007. At the time of her retirement at the age of 85, she was #1 in terms of seniority.
Career
Iris Peterson began her career in 1946. She held various leadership positions in the flight attendants' union. In 1953, she became the first lobbyist for the Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Association. In 1968, she helped develop safety plans for the first jumbo aircraft. Working with aircraft engineers, 17 safety items were accepted, including the evacuation alarm, now standard equipment on aircraft worldwide. She retired on April 23, 2007.When she started her career, job restrictions included age, gender, ethnicity and weight, which favored men and discriminated against women. A tribute to Peterson by the United Airlines Association of Flight Attendants
Association of Flight Attendants
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA is a union representing Flight Attendants in the United States. In 2011, AFA represents nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants at 24 airlines, making it the world's largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100% on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in...
notes that she and her peers helped to destroy discriminatory practices, advancing the rights of women and uprooting gender discrimination.