My regional (ALG) back in 1994 sold off a number of aircraft & other assets to Mesa which resulted in 200 plus pilot layoffs. Then, as a gift of good will [emoji90], Mesa interviewed a number of the ALG furloughees for street Capt positions. Which, by the way, was paying less than an FO at ALG. Then, a number of their Instructors & the company tried to black ball the guys hired with red eye flight training, no sims, minimal training (3 hours dual in some cases) & a ridiculous bust rate! But hey, we were all ALPA brothers if you kissed some ass & made it through! Just think, that furloughed pilot would be a respectable Mesa 175 CA today!