There is a huge difference between a furlough and a firing/termination. With a furlough, you have the opportunity to come back. With a termination you do not. It would be far cheaper to fire people if they wanted and then hire when the need arises. The bonus for the company is that they don't have to follow seniority and can fire as they wish. Luckily we don't work for a company like this. I'm just illustrating the other extreme that could be happening right now.