Interesting. Where I am, we dont have a pension, but rather a % of salary per year. Which is better, I don't know, but many have parlayed the annual investment into small fortunes, and some have wasted it. Also, we have ab initio, which is a contentious issue... and creates a huge expense as well...some measurable, and some not. How can you measure the cost of hard landings over time?
Anyway, its easier to see now how this thread has been so strong for so long as after your explanation, its more clear how the parties are polarized depending on what side they are on. Its certianly not as simple an issue as it is at first glance. Maybe Air Canada should realize the money it saves and the value it has in hiring older more experienced pilots and shorten the time to max pension as well as increasing the retirement age.
One thing is for sure, you cannot satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time.
Good luck with the battle.