Air Canada can force pilots to retire: tribunal

MONTREAL - Air Canada's policy of forcing pilots to retire at age 60 is being supported by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

The policy was challenged by George Vilven and Bob Kelly, who had to retire as Air Canada pilots when they reached 60.

Vilven says the policy is out of synch with Canadian society and the airlines of many other countries.

However, the tribunal says 60 is the normal retirement age for pilots with major airlines.

And, it adds Air Canada did not discriminate against the Vilven and Kelly when they reached that age.

The tribunal adds the policy does not violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The ruling pleases the Air Canada Pilots Association, which says the vast majority of its three-thousand members support mandatory retirement at 60 for pilots.