Crofts/VETA implications
The Crofts/VETA case has some interesting implications for CX and their London based crew. Under UK (in fact EU) law, you can no longer retire someone on the grounds of age. This means that UK based Captains cannot be retired by the company simply because they have reached the age of 55. As long as their licences are valid for the areas in which the company operates, they must be retained. Furthermore, they must be retained on their existing contracts. To do otherwise would be constructive dismissal. This means that London based Captains could be retained on A-scales, including Prov Fund whilst Captains on other bases have to accept B-scales without Prov Fund.
On 23 NOV 06, the ICAO age limit for Captains is to be raised to 65. From that date, unless a pilot is demonstrably incompetent, he cannot be retired until he is 65. Bad news for BA and CX FOs, in the short term, but good news for Captains and their families.
The AOA have wanted A-scales to be retained for the over 55s. It looks as if there is an open goal in front of them………but don’t hold your breath.