Have seen the tactic used at Atlas, Evergreen and at others. I don't think that would keep a guy from a furlough or termination just because he is in his grace month when he was canned.
Good or bad, it has been done in the past. With the FAA, I've notice they rather spend time chasing crewmembers (easier prey) rather than getting the airline to comply with regulations. Companies usually tap dance when called to the mat and come up with a "new program" to stop the problem which makes the FAA happy. We as crewmembers just get violated.