Actually, your pretty close!!! Yes, we've had many pilots retire here, unfortunately, most of them jumped into the back seat of the 747, 727 and DC-8... Yeah, I think it suck too, but its all about senority, they have it, many dont.
We're also trading 3 pilot for planes for 2 pilot planes, so therefore, not many vacancies (atleast thats what the company says). UPS management likes to keep our planes (some fleets) at about 1 1/2 crews per plane. Yeah, its nuts, but then again, so is there staffing model...
Dont even get me started about "smart" decisions made here by "Management" Its truckers running an airline, if you come here, dont EVER forget it... They wont let you forget... I feel like Im still in the military and some 03/06 is doing all they can to ensure their OER's are top blocks, that is of course at everyone elses expence... Those of you who have been there, know exactly what Im talking about...
All that being said, Im lucky to still have a job and I keep that in mind when I start thinking about this place too hard. I REALLY cant wait to see the new contract settled. Word on the street is that when the contract is done, and if its good enough (retirment issues) alot of the older ret/FE guys might jump ship... Im not that optomistic. Wait and see...