stubby jumbo
The yearly number crunching surplus for short haul was announced in early Jan from memory (after we were advised in early Dec that we were so short staffed that the FAAA was holding urgent meetings with the company to address the shortage) and was also in cabin crew news, so this is not anything new.
Unlike long haul crew enough short haul crew traditionally take up the options which are LOWP 6 months, Temp part time 6 months, adhoc LS and Holiday leave to cover the surplus without being forced onto directed leave but if that was possible so be it, not much anyone can do about it. However crew are already being knocked back for adhoc leave requests and generally when the "surplus" occurs it means more drafting etc for crew.
The difference is short haul are a lot more flexible and are willing to work with the company to manage the surplus that occurs from time to time throughout the year. Furthermore our casual crew somewhat protect permanent crew when a surplus occurs.
So I wouldnt get to excited about exacting your petty revenge just yet!