We have approx 40 % temporary contract pilots at Ryanair.
We are cutting back less than 40% for the winter routes.
Therefore we do not have "excess capacity".
There's no visible cash saving by telling the contractors that they are not required for x amount of time.
To Ryanair it's a small cash saving by forcing it's loyal permanent employees to take un paid leave. It's not a make or break of the airline.
Negotiations in Ryanair - Take it or Leave