This is all about the lack of integrated seniority list for the FA's. The reduction in L-UA metal (B757's) and addition of L-CO metal (B737's and B787's) is driving this. The FA's are experiencing exactly what we would have seen had we not been able to agree to a contract and get to the ISL. I believe they were still hiring FA's on the L-CO side recently.
I would never say never for the pilot furloughs, but this furlough of FA's is more about not having a combined workforce.