A funny story about that prior to that change.

A captain I knew was healthy, approaching 60 ( mandatory) was at a party attended by newly hired Gordon Bethune. They were acquainted with each other. Gordon asked "Joe" what his plans were for next month when he hits 60? Joe replied that he was going back to the back seat on the 10. Gordon expressed surprise and asked why he would do such a thing. This was also prior to the new alpha contract that froze our A plan.

Joe replied that "l have almost a thousand hours sick leave, so I am gonna call in sick for every other trip till it's gone". " No way I'm gonna let you bastards keep it"!, as he took another slurp of his scotch. Gordon just grinned.

In fact a lot of "gummer plummers", did the same thing.