Now boys and girls, let's play nice.

I know some of you "young studs" out there think the "old farts" ought to retire (or die) at the earliest opportunity so you can upgrade earlier. I can see (but not necessarily agree with) where you're coming from. But personally insulting remarks about the older guys' hygiene and bodily functions, excess weight, lifestyle baggage, flying ability, etc., are entirely uncalled for. They have to pass the same check rides you do. Many have training and aviation experience that took literally decades to acquire, some of which is not available now at any price. That all comes into play on those dark stormy nights when the measured calm, experience, and judgment born of maturity makes the difference between just another routine operation and a hair-on-fire adventure.

There are marginal, mediocre, and outstanding performers in every age group. Youth does not have a monopoly on excellence.

Bottom line: nobody owes it to anybody else to retire one minute earlier than they want to. If the young bucks want the older guys out earlier, then make it financially attractive. Yes, a certain number will stay till they drop or are forced out, but I think the majority would bail if it didn't cost them so much to do so. Let's make the retirees whole when it comes to buying power, health insurance, etc. At least to where a person who retires now has the same buying power as one who retired when our current max pension went into effect. There are ways to do that without raising the current high-five average or requiring the company to set aside tons more money.

The union is trying very hard right now to avoid any kind of two-tier retirement system or the forced switch to an entirely new scheme. This is a good thing for everyone on the property, and even for those not yet hired. When the younger guys become the old heads, I wonder how many of them will be wanting to hang on till the last bugle themselves.

Personally, I plan to retire while I'm young enough and healthy enough to enjoy being retired. But I have absolutely no obligation to retire early just to make room for someone else. Make it good deal financially, and I won't let the door hit me on the way out. My Negotiating Committee speaks for me, and it's WAY past time!