Cyclone said:i guess i'll have to answer my own question
you said yourself there are more captains than f.o.s at your airline. this more than anything explains why your union is in favor of the change. i don't think new guys and gals voted. i think your union voted in 2003 and the split was around 60/40...in favor of repeal....not exactly "most of us at SWA."
what did you have about 4000 pilots back then? if you take into consideration the probation pilots...i think the numbers would have been even closer...say 55/45...if they had voted...anyway...the fact is the issue is split in a fault line about half-way between your throttles...and your perception of what people in your company want only applies to those who sit on the left side of that fault line...this line also has a good chance of becoming a bigger divide because of people who share your views...read benelli's post again.
the old farts who stick around for their own benefit...and are not productive...and who suck from the company health plan...and who take more vacation...who draw max pay when they do fly...they are not helping the bottom line...or the morale of those waiting to upgrade.
Your first paragraph is why it "WILL" never change! Its called a majority rules! Better get used to it, its the way it is. I fly with ALOT of guys of all ages because I ELITT alot. The guy I just flew with yesterday is 47 years old, been with the company 4 years, has 4 kids and the list goes on and on. Think he wasnt in favor of extending it to past age 60? You betcha! Benelli wants it for his financial gain as well dont kid yourself. I guess in the end we all look out for whats in our own familes best interest dont we.
The old farts that stick around who use more of the health benefits earned it! They have been out there in the trenches for many years fighting many battles while you were in grade school. Its called pay back. I earned my vacation, earned my pay check, and have the right to coast if and when I want to.