Also unknown is how many of the FAs intend to retire immediately after (or shortly after) their return to the line. From an email cut and pasted to another forum:
Now for the downside. (please don't shoot the messenger). There will not be an early process out clause. The reason is legal. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) has strict guidelines regarding retirement. The company cannot bypass this law even if they wanted to.
Therefore; anyone who did not attain 15 years company seniority prior to furlough in '03 will have to make the years up to equal 15.
For example, if you had 14 ½ years of company seniority at the time of furlough - you will be required to return for 6 months in order to retire under the company retirement policy.
Equally, if you were not yet 50 but are now 50 and have 15 or more years of company seniority - you must be trained and go online for 1 day before you can retire under the 50-55 rule.
Anyone who is 55 or older with 15 years company seniority may retire after 1 day online.
Apparently, FAs intending to retire must be trained and become active for at least one day prior to retirement. Dunno how many will do this but if the number is significant, further recalls could be possible.