Tandemrotor
…So could you if you cared to look...
I assure you I’ve looked very hard.
I have my own benefit statement from the pension fund in front of me as I write this, showing I crystallised as a line captain, aged 50, on the top pay point, after 29 years service. The projected pension is well under six figures.
…I most certainly CAN substantiate my claim that crystallised pensions can, and do, pay out well in excess of £100,000 per year…
So you say.
I challenge you, once again, produce your figures to show how you arrive at this figure of well in excess of £100,000 per year or have the decency to admit you are wrong and withdraw your exaggerated claim.
…Everyone should expect to retire at the age stated on their contract WHEN THEY JOINED…Is that somehow unfair?…
There have been many changes made to the contract I signed in the 1970s, some to my benefit, many not. I am obliged to accept them all, whether or not I approve of them.
By your logic, I should not avail myself of paternity leave, I should instruct my widow not to apply for the increased death-in-service benefits, and I should always wear a suit and tie whilst on staff travel; all changes that have come about since I signed my contract.
It is highly unrealistic to expect that a law, which comes into effect in two years time, should not be taken advantage of by any pilot who joined BA before 2006.
It is highly unrealistic to expect the entire, current pilot workforce to retire at 55 when entitled to remain to 60 or beyond.
This particular change will apply to all pilots equally, and I see no reason why each pilot should not be able to make an individual decision on this matter, without being subjected to your petty abuse.
…It would seem from previous comments, that I am not the only one struck by the smug attitude of those who seek to keep their 'snouts in the trough' as long as possible, whilst having no concern whatever for new joiners…
You deliberately seek to mix two separate issues, those of retirement age and new entrant pensions, and ascribe views to me which I have not expressed and do not espouse.
The issue of inferior pension terms for new entrant pilots is of considerable concern to me, as it is to most of my age group. When BALPA take a view on the best course of action to try to secure a FSS pension for my new colleagues, they will have my full support.
Your attempts to suggest otherwise are frankly beneath contempt.
I have, in my time in BA, stood on a picket line and watched several pilots cross it to go to work. It was sadly true that most of those who did were the very ones who had shouted the loudest beforehand about the need for action.
I trust, should the need for action arise, that you won’t fall into this category.
Regards
Bellerophon