AC reaps a huge benefit from pilots staying longer. ACPA should have tired to share this. Training costs of $40K times seven or so courses for every retirement, plus the pension benefits. Even at five courses, the saving is $200K which doesn't have to be paid out till someone actually goes. Raising the age defers training and saves current funds, as well as resulting in fewer total training courses. AC will likely benefit by about a two year reduction in retirement training; savings that would really give the company a boost. Of course, since AC and ACPA decided to fight, the savings may go out in damages instead.
There is no logical reason for AC to fight this, other than a desire to control. The quality of testimony from the AC witnesses at the hearings would suggest that AC doesn't really want to win, but to appear supportive of ACPA.
When considering motivations, how about an ACPA committee member who will have almost a 40 year career (because he got in at 20 through influence) telling someone that got in at 34 that they can only have a 26 year career; what is the motivation there?
ACPA attempts to perpetuate age discrimination defy logic. Perhaps their legal counsel has told them he can win if only this fight is stretched out forever. He gets big bucks an hour; no motivation there!
In any case, hopefully we will move on to the next stage in a couple of weeks. If things go the way they appear to be going, ACPA can accept reality or waste more money and time.
Place your bets on the likelihood of reality!
Last edited by O360A1A; 28th May 2010 at 18:18.
Reason: Editorial