The company are currently managing an apparent surplus of FA's. In short haul we have temporary part time, LWOP, and forced leave occurring over the next 3 months. Also a number of FA's have taken VR over the past couple of months.
I know long haul have also had forced leave etc etc.
Yet at the same time, there is a massive recruitment of MAM casuals. I believe there are schools going through right now, and the recruitment numbers are in the hundreds!
It is obvious that in the future, MAM casual and other outsourced employment of cabin crew will make up the entire cabin crew establishment.
If short haul are endorsed on the 747, and there are enough cabin crew in off-shore bases to operate the 744, then there will be no need for an Australian LH division.
If I were long haul now, I would seriously be considering a transfer to short haul BEFORE the demise of Long haul. We permanent crew at short haul still enjoy pretty good conditions and pay, and contrary to popular opinion DO NOT receive less allowances overseas. They are just paid directly into our pay, which saves the company administration costs.