I can't for the life of me see why 'furlough' wouldn't be embraced? Particularly in the case of the Tiger pilots. A company has spent a lot of coin on their training. At some point the industry WILL recover and go beyond where it was prior to the collapse. Surely it's better for an airline to have inducted pilots on recall when needed? Surely it's better than the sack for the affected pilots?
Sure there will be pilots that furlough will hurt, some deeply. But I've known of some pilots putting their hand up (for any number of lifestyle reasons) for a break knowing their job will be there with seniority in place. It also allows those wanting, to take a study break, family break. Sort of win/win.