I know nothing of Emirates so can't comment on the specifics but they are not the only airline that is under crewed worldwide. Quite a few employers are really starting to hurt.
I can't help but wonder if various CEOs worldwide are waiting for an economic downturn and the end of the cycle to arrive. We are in the longest bull market there has ever been. There is a downturn coming and we are long past due. I feel almost certain that these CEOs have decided it's only a matter of time before one or two big airlines, who are already shaky financially, are going to fall over. If there is, there will be a flood of experienced pilots out on the street and this problem will be solved. Let's say two more Air Berlin go to the wall.