The problem for the "Qantas Group" is they expected the 'take up' then 'retention rate' of those pilots transferring to JQ would be higher.
What the powers at Qantas failed to plan for as they farmed out flying to other group entities was their mainline pilots taking leave of absence to other carriers like Emirates & Tiger and not to their planned target, Jetstar.
Mainline pilots have adopted the position, you created the problem so you fix it.
Now QF has resorted to the next step being the current application.
Reading the MOU, there are already provisions in it. That if a pilot is going to be made redundant in mainline & Jetstar are recruiting the pilot will transfer to JQ under the MOU. However the pilot may return to mainline after the fixed period, but the company really wants them to stay there.