The "perfect storm" for the furlough was;
1. Unprecendented downturn in the economy.
2. Rapid retirement of the 727, 747 and especially DC-8 fleet.
3. Age 60 retirement change.
4. UPS's bonehead refusal of the VJPP.

I would add #5 as UPS's increased utlization per crewmember.

Amending the next contract to include a 4a2b probably doesn't cost us if it's tied to mgt pay freezes and 401k contribution freezes. I'd trade for a clause like that to eliminate the FQS system. Allow a 60 hour guarantee for 20% of the bid lines and you'd probably have enough volunteers regardless. With no FQSs they'd be a lot less likely to enact it anyway. We gain a whole lot more limiting or eliminating MEF and FQS than we lose by a reduced guarantee clause, which many of us want anyway.