I actually think some of this is forced on the company by the contract.

Example: let's say they see that 400 guys will retire in the next 12 months. Pilot Planning says "We need to hire 400 pilots."

Company says "We will only hire 400 guys if you have 400 unfilled vacancies."

Hmmm. They are short 20 guys in EWR, 5 in IAH, 6 in ORD, and 9 in DCA. But they are overmanned in DEN, LAX, and SFO.

So, they somehow create vacancies that make no sense operationally, in a move they hope will take some of the overmanning to the undermanned bases.

Of course, this is just a ritual with little effect...onsie-twosies.

Now that Pilot Planning has done all they can do to move pilots without a bump, the company has a choice: a bump, or hire more guys.

Apparently, hiring is cheaper than bumping.

I have read several times in company announcements that hiring can only occur if there are unfilled vacancies.