Hiya Trev - no mate, these days I am back in sunny NZ engaged in starting an aviation-related business, and doing a bit of contract flying to keep my hand in.
How about you, skippering some big shiny jet now?
Back on topic, surprised if they are all that short, there are a few 146 people about now since Euromanx have closed Galway. Not usre about Q400 people though, probably all gone to Easyjet.
Mind you flybe have been known to wait until they have absolutely no choice but to hire contract people - it costs them quite a bit.
As for working days off, extra sectors etc that has been going on for years, why do you think so many vote with their feet when the hiring starts elsewshere? Easy to fix, and would cost a lot less than training new people all the time!