Originally Posted by
Tomahawk58
Respectfully, I don't follow the logic here. Currently, the B Fund is 100 percent invested in equities so the same variability exist today as it will tomorrow. AMRIS has done a good job of managing the B Fund, but the option is there to have the funds activity managed within the 401k or another financial entity of the pilot's choosing. As to why so few choose to retire, clearly they weren't concerned that their retirement was going away, or no future contributions would be forthcoming.
Why is the argument always trotted out about failed marriages, businesses, etc. is it possible that senior pilots, in fact most pilots enjoy their chosen profession and the company they work for. That also means they want to see improvements, but the fact remains that most have chosen to stay for more than just the usual reasons thrown out. AA is and will continue to be a great company whether we merge with US, any other carrier or choose to go it alone.
Up until now the b-fund had a 90 day lock-in for those under 60, and a 60 day look-back for those retiring after age 60. This allowed some protection if the market took a nose dive as you were about to retire. As you say the fund is all in equities and very vulnerable to a dramatic market fluctuation. Pilots will no longer have any protection and should the market be in the dumps as the funds are being liqudated, well the pilots are now just along for the ride. You are correct in stating that pilots have a great job, one that indeed is tough to walk away from, but I dare say not very many will tell you they enjoy the company they work for. Assuming you are a commercial airline pilot, employed for someone other than SWA, can you say you enjoy working for the criminals running the other legacy carriers?