If they do claim FM, then I sincerely hope that ALPA does duke it out in court with them. Is it an unforeseen hardship? Sure, but they also passed the bulk of that burden (at least for payroll) onto the American tax payer via the Cares Act. It becomes harder to claim an undue hardship/burden on payroll when others have been footing the bill for the past 6-months.

Plus, if they’re willing to pay retirees 75% pay at the highest paying rates for 3-years, it seems the least they can do is honor the PWA and pay outgoing FOs 2-3 months of pay (65 hours) at the lowest pay rate (717B). And I’m not throwing shade at the VEOP and retirees, I think it’s a good deal and I’m happy for those able to take it. It is a criticism of management if they fail to provide furlough pay in accordance with the PWA.