Originally Posted by
Proximity
I would say that Southwest made an unforced error and burned quite a bit of goodwill for no reason. However, your chances of being furloughed at Southwest are lower than at American. Of course, one could argue that furloughs aren't really possible in this environment anyways.
Remember that during Covid, American (with the blessing of APA) basically screwed over some pilots who were furloughed before PEP was signed, they got nothing. Delta and United pilots weren't furloughed but had reduced pay, and Southwest paid all pilots 100%.
United pilots voted to keep pay rates but did reduced work to prevent furloughs and keep people in their current seat for a quicker recovery. If COVID had continued longer United the pilots would have worked less (so earning less) but not furloughed. I believe SW pilots would have worked and been paid normally (no reduction) with 10% of their brother and sisters on the street. What’s the better approach?