Actually, 747CLASSIC, it works both ways. The 55+ folks (I'm not in that group yet), many of whom are well to do, are more likely to stand up and "squeak" when contractual work conditions are being squeezed.
For instance, many members of this distinguished group are always first to enforce common sense issues like limitations of duty hours and "fatigue creep."
Hotel standards: If booked hotel rooms aren't available, these older folks won't put up with lesser standard accommodations; rather, they will be first to insist on upgraded accommodations.
Most members of the 55+ crowd are respected and dignified professionals who won't easily be pushed around by management. This usually is the case at all airlines. Most older guys are not afraid to lose their jobs, so they are much more inclined to stand up to management and to pursue improved quality of life issues. It's usually the younger pilots who screw themselves and everybody else by allowing management to walk all over them. If only they'd pick up a cue from the 55+ crowd and insist on practical reality. And rostering sanity.