I was furloughed many years ago and yes the memory and it's effect is still with me today (as is the 85 strike).

But, correct me if I'm wrong, the people returning today from furlough could have returned a number of years ago. They (most) basically used the voluntary delayed recall and extra time to further other opportunities and things in their lives.

I've met many who have solidified their finances and health benefits for retirement, enjoyed leadership roles and took advantage of professional opportunities. They would have unlikely been unable to do some of these things had they returned to UAL at their first opportunity.

Yes furloughs suck, but kudos to those who turned them into opportunities and now can enjoy the remainder of their career at UAL.

Welcome back! This isn't the UAL you left.