@ayroplain....
Indeed it seems that somebody in EI manpower planning does not understand their job title. EI currently DO NOT enough flight/cabin crew to operate all their flights at the peak of the summer. They cover the schedule but have cut things so close to the bone in terms of "cost rationalisation" that they cannot cover any diversions/tech delays/increased sickness levels.
No current operational flight/cabin crew have been permitted to avail of the current redundancy option....and EI are asking for volunteers to operate on their days off. (Even thought most crew are close to annual 900 block hour safety limit){when crew approach this level sickness increases due to cumulative fatigue and/or reduced time off to rest and/or have a life.....ie 1 day off, 5 days on,1 day off, 5 days on, 2 days off is a common fortnight in EI}
EI middle mgmt have cocked up yet again.
EDIT:"crew shortages" as a reason is incorrect....."crew shortages due to to inept planning" seems more apt.