While I agree with your assessment on delaying any large required payouts through the grievance process it’s unlikely in this scenario IMO. I’m NOT saying it won’t happen but as long as the language is solid (I.e standard Alpa furlough language) it’s been tested before. Intent and practice are established. Delaying cost through the grievance process generally happens when there is some gray area that provides an opening for management to argue. Also, if the company is required to pay out any unused vacation you can pretty much bank on that. There’s federal laws on that I believe. I tend to bank on zero so I’m never disappointed. Probably comes from serving on a grievance committee that dealt with indigo.