Originally Posted by
fcoolaiddrinker
Alpa members had a vote last time. The first vote was a no and nothing happened with legislators. Roughly a year later and several pensions disappearing it was voted again and passed. Shortly after passed in Congress. That’s how I remember it anyhow. However, I agree this time will most likely be different due the shorter timeline.
ALPA members probably should and probably will get a "vote"... which will inform national's position. Same for APA, SWAPA, etc.
That will not really influence congress too much. Senior union leadership could address this vigorously with congress, or not-so-vigorously. How hard the leadership fights will matter, a little bit.
If congress (aka key congressional leaders who have relationships with stakeholders) wants to do it, they'll just be looking for some data which shows that the safety impact is negligible. If they have that data in their hip pocket, then they can proceed with the rationalization of pilot shortage impact on the public and reducing arbitrary age discrimination.
If they *want* to do it, they'll go shopping for whatever data they need to defend their position. FAA will probably do as they're told per the regime.
It's less likely that congress will approach this with a totally open mind and decide based on data... they're going to have an agenda before they even start discussing it.