After a few inquiries, I'm going to infer that it's because of the insane backup of IOE. I know someone from a Nov 747 class who still hasn't even touched the airplane yet... 3 classes, ~30 guys each, 3 months wait for IOE. That's $400,000 that Atlas is shelling out for guys to just sit at home. I'm sure there's more.

As for the rumors of furlough, I'm willing to bet it's just a threat against the union.