Originally Posted by
FangsF15
[mod input] Folks, this is starting to go off the rails. Everyone please pull back a notch or two, and continue what little there is left to discuss on topic. Now that the ICAO conference has wrapped up with essentially no 'progress' on the issue, there isn't much that hasn't already been said, but still...
If folks can't do that, we'll close the thread.
I was waiting on this. Long time listener, rare caller.
No one cares and my words are not going to move the needle on this issue or change anyone’s mind, but IMHO (just so it’s clear, I’m against any age increase):
The phrase “the devil we know” comes to mind. I’m an early 40s post-COVID hire and fully appreciate the rapid advancement in seniority not afforded to my seniors. I’m sympathetic to the twists and turns that this industry has taken on those seniors approaching retirement and understand the desire to keep doing what they’re doing—they’re enjoying the best seniority they’ve ever held and, by and large, they are healthier than their predecessors were at the same age.
With that being said, there’s very little chance that any increase in the retirement age does not come with a corresponding increase in medical scrutiny, which is (to me, at least) a major sticking point. While, yes, in a vacuum, we would have the additional two years as well, the increased medical scrutiny could find previously undetected issues that cause us to medical out at 55, 60, or what have you—thereby not, in fact, granting us two additional years, but costing us 5 or 10 as the case may be. Those at the end campaigning for the two additional years can likely easily absorb an unforeseen loss of medical due to the shorter time horizon.
Additionally, as has been noted countless times in this thread, no chance that the airlines continue to contribute to our 401Ks at current rates if the age increases—at least not without a significant quid in contract negotiations. “You can work longer” will almost certainly be their answer. That impact to retirement is another significant concern for those around my age—no one I know honestly believes that social security will exist at the time we reach the age to collect, so we are relying on our retirement savings.
Nothing that we say on this forum will change anyone’s mind, and nothing we say on this forum will change whatever decision is eventually made. I do think both sides would do well to at least make an effort to appreciate the other’s perspective (insults and name-calling notwithstanding).
Just my $0.02. Y’all have a great day!