A number of professions have varying degrees of unionization. Boeing's aerospace engineers come to mind.

We are in fact white collar workers by virtue of being trained professionals. Professionals by definition are responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and updating their training and licenses, and are ultimately responsible for the outcome of their work (doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc).

Blue collar workers just have to do as they are told...the outcome of their efforts is the responsibility of their employer (look at Ford and GMC...). Note that blue-collar tradesmen who work as sub-contractors are now businessmen and are thus responsible to the customer for their product.

Some aspects of airline work resemble blue-collar work, but that does not change the fact that we are ultimately professionals...and should be paid accordingly.