I don't argue those #s, but I think that particular methodology to describe overmanning is very simplistic (and convenient for mgmt too) given our multiple-aircraft, and the out-of-order seat/seniority alignment at FEDEX when all of this started.

What I meant (and the union agrees with) is that there was/is no-way the company could furlough 700 guys back on 31 Dec 08 and operate the fleet without a major, permanent change in the way we fly jets today --- and some major retraining.

Do the current rounds of excess bids actually indicate we are going to make a major, permanent change in the way we fly jets?

Yes, the Bus lines/manning are shrinking and the 727 SO seat looks to grow by about 120, but does that mean they can really furlough 300 or 700 after that training completes?

Hasn't mgmt come out and stated publicly they want to be in a position to take advantage of increased demand when it happens?

I think the best way to do that would be to NOT squeeze all of the toothpaste to one end of the tube.

I believe such a simplistic model would be more applicable to a company like Southwest --- one jet --- a relatively clean/pure seniority seat alignment.

Now I would imagine at Southwest, they could furlough 300 ~ 700 pretty quickly/cleanly --- in 3-4 months.

Retrain the bottom Capts back to the right seat in an FAA-approved short course...and then furlough the FOs...all with just a couple of domicile bids, that I believe they hold every few months anyway.