said by KrK:Don't be naive. They are removing experience and long term job positions that are union and replacing them with lower paid temporary and "independent contractors." They also lower service and quality at the same time.... but save money.
As for the guarantee of a job offer... have you never experienced that? It's kinda like my company when people come back from disability or FMLA.
FMLA leave does not guarantee your job in the event of an economic downturn such as this, when business conditions warrant staff reductions, you can still be laid off like the rest of them.