could it be that the "sick out" is not related to any special action by the crews..?
that it's simply worries about being hi-jacked and feeling afraid of ending up as some of their unfortunate colleagues..?
everyone has family to prefer over risk - haven't they..?
being a pilot has always been a very personal fulfilling profession - but i think that recent events has made pilots - and other aircrews - more aware of some risks which none had expected - and maybe these risks are becoming so big that they can potentially jeopardize own life and family life.
Is it really worth it..?