i dont work there, i did work there.. for 9 years-- lets just say i have a vested interest.

i think if they dont get as many furloughees to "come back at first beckon call" and it would then require mandatory recall- they might think hmmmmm- noone came back willingly due to the possible future unrest of the company IE the company stating openly they are gonna shut the place down if it goes to proffer.

its a tactic , just as they use-- nothing more-- do they know, sure but its as far as a side wants to go with the bluff/preparing.

if u need to go back, go back, if u can wait and hold out til next year--- thats a no brainer too.