In listening to the union meeting, I got the impression that this grievance might not get settled for a long time (possibly not before openers). If that is the case, then either the economy will have turned around by then, or a furlough, if warranted, would have already taken place. IMO, if they are going to furlough, then it will have already happened long before a decision on the grievance is reached. If the company loses the grievance, but business has picked up, they won't furlough just for spite.