JAL pilots subject to dismissal threaten to file lawsuits

Japan Airlines pilots who have received dismissal notifications have reportedly threatened to file lawsuits unless the company withdraws the notifications (Kyodo News, 14-Dec-2010). JAL will dismiss 94 pilot positions by the end of 2010 as its voluntary retirement programme has failed to achieve a job reduction target. They include those who have been off duty due to illness beyond a certain period of time and are captains who are 55 years old or older and copilots who are 48 years old or older.