Originally Posted by
Beaverdam
Why is ALPA so eager to give up on the age 60 rule? ALPA's stated policy for many years, based on polling and the wishes of it's membership, has been to oppose any change to the age 60 rule. Now, ALPA wants to change it's policy, and many on this forum seem to agree, and embrace the change in retirement age to 65. The theory goes that unless we embrace this inevitable change we will have very little input to the new rule. I think this is a cop out. It's throwing in the towel before the battle even begins. ALPA needs a win. We've been taking it in the shorts for too long. Unless ALPA is willing to put the issue to a vote of the membership and officially change their policy, they should fight the age 60 rule change to the bitter end.
Beav, I don't think ALPA is necessarily Eager to give up anything. Another question is : Who is ALPA?
ALPA is us. The survey is out. Wait until the results come in and see what "WE" as a group think. It wasn't a landslide opposing the 60 issue last time and my bet is it will probably be closer this time.....
And as far as ALPA copping out. How many times has a have you witnessed the NPRM process? Generally when the FAA issues an NPRM, it is almost a forgone conclusion. ALPA is at least involved.
Like I said before, personally I am opposed to the change, but I am also opposed to MGT using Bankrupcty laws to void contracts. I am opposed to MGT terminating Pensions. I was opposed to Open skies without getting something in return for it. I was opposed to Cargo Cabotage through ANC.
Should ALPA (by democratic the process) elect to continue to oppose change to Age 60, what should all who wish it to change do..........quit?....................and likewise, if ALPA changes it's position, should all who want Age 60 to remain respond in kind?
...............You can never please everyone in a Democracy, that is just the way it is.