I see it as a sign that they are planning to drag the integration out as long as possible, and are waiting for the looming recession to solve their retention problem. They probably do assume they can achieve a cost-neutral JCBA in 2-3 years if they forecast a recession. If you believe a recession is likely, and you're thinking of making a move, the question becomes, do you stay and deal with stagnation and managed expectations here, or leave to get in line somewhere else and risk furlough. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a management response to the ALPA letter though.