Originally Posted by
ScepticalOptomist
Except once restrictions are lifted you can’t keep the workforce stood down.
The first stand downs were issued when passengers numbers dropped off because of pandemic fears, before national or state borders closed. I don't think the status of the border was the reasoning used for stand downs. The other thought is that (up until June) there were open interstate borders between some states, yet domestic crews from various group entities and various bases were still stood down as required.
Even if it is I'm guessing there will be some form of restrictions applied to international entry like quarantine, vaccination, proof of negative antibody test, restrictions on entry from certain countries etc for a few years which would allow continued use of stand downs. Maybe it is thought stand downs can be used until flying is back to '19 levels. It may end up in court, but that will probably occur in a year or two. A long way off.