Lufthansa strike

Originally posted by RJHinds
I did not know that German pilots were white collar workers. Are German train drivers also white collar workes? How about bus and taxi drivers?

http://online.wsj.com/articles/strikes-by-train-drivers-pilots-hit-germany-1413824037

Pilots are stuck up bus/truck drivers.

Originally posted by sh76
56 years old is hardly "old" in today's day and age.

You want to to force pilots into retirement for safety reasons at age 70 or 75? Fine. Age 55 is a little ridiculous. Most people are still plenty sharp enough to operate at age 55. My parents are in their early 60's and the idea that they're "too old" to work any job that doesn't include strenuous physical ...[text shortened]... rs in terms of earnings. And I am quite confident that they are not the aberration but the norm.

In fact, at 55 they are probably at their peak, still physically fit, but with experience that can't be found in 40 year olds.

Forced retirement ought to be at the discretion of the airline, based on timely tests of fitness, mental and physical. Wasn't the pilot that landed in the Hudson near that age?

Originally posted by Eladar
Pilots are stuck up bus/truck drivers.

Interesting!

Originally posted by RJHinds
I did not know that German pilots were white collar workers. Are German train drivers also white collar workes? How about bus and taxi drivers?

http://online.wsj.com/articles/strikes-by-train-drivers-pilots-hit-germany-1413824037

It would probably be more reasonable to have baggage handlers retire at 55. Personally, I favor no pensions, but savings plans for all workers, and whenever they have what they think they need they can quit work.

Airlines here and abroad have a long history of bankruptcy, under funded pensions, and caving to pilot's demands. As KN points out, they have a strong bargaining position.

Originally posted by normbenign
In fact, at 55 they are probably at their peak, still physically fit, but with experience that can't be found in 40 year olds.

Forced retirement ought to be at the discretion of the airline, based on timely tests of fitness, mental and physical. Wasn't the pilot that landed in the Hudson near that age?

Yes, Chesley Sullenberger was about to turn 58 years old when he executed his maneuver to save his planeload of people.

Thankfully, he didn't retire at age 55 or his passengers might all be dead.

Originally posted by Eladar
Pilots are stuck up bus/truck drivers.

Who have under their control an object that can destroy a skyscraper.

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
Who have under their control an object that can destroy a skyscraper.

Many trucks carry loads that could do huge damage too. What was used to blow up the federal building in OKC? I believe it was a relatively small truck.

Originally posted by Eladar
Many trucks carry loads that could do huge damage too. What was used to blow up the federal building in OKC? I believe it was a relatively small truck.

A bomb. The truck didn't crush the building by ramming it.

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
Who have under their control an object that can destroy a skyscraper.

The pilots did not destroy the skyscrapers. It was hijackers who did.

Originally posted by sh76
Then negotiate for more money. Why negotiate for something as pointless as the right to retire in the middle of your career?

This may be relevant:

"The airline wants to raise the early retirement age because recent changes in European Union laws now allow pilots to fly until age 65."

http://online.wsj.com/articles/lufthansa-pilots-threaten-to-strike-over-retirement-benefits-1410769584

Originally posted by RJHinds
I did not know that German pilots were white collar workers. Are German train drivers also white collar workes? How about bus and taxi drivers?

http://online.wsj.com/articles/strikes-by-train-drivers-pilots-hit-germany-1413824037

A pilot does not have to perform much physical labor and is trained in running extremely complex machinery by pushing the right buttons. The point is that what you need to be a good pilot is knowledge, experience and mental acuity, not physical strength. Most pilots are perfectly capable of working well into their 60's.

Originally posted by AThousandYoung
A bomb. The truck didn't crush the building by ramming it.

You have a very simplistic view of reality. I now understand better how you think. Thanks.

Originally posted by JS357
This may be relevant:

"The airline wants to raise the early retirement age because recent changes in European Union laws now allow pilots to fly until age 65."

http://online.wsj.com/articles/lufthansa-pilots-threaten-to-strike-over-retirement-benefits-1410769584

Good start, but it should be 70.

Originally posted by Eladar
You have a very simplistic view of reality. I now understand better how you think. Thanks.

Did you know naval surface to surface missiles don't even technically need a warhead? 90% of the damage done by those is caused by igniting the remaining fuel in the missile and just burning the ship.