But the main reason they were taped was due to the fact the aircraft they could sign for are no longer flown by QF (Dec 27th for the 767)
Hmmm, not so much. Everyone I know was 738 licensed and classic (freighter) licensed. So, no shortage of work for them going on current overnight workloads.
Even people in Melbourne who had 747 licences are now back in demand due to the return of 747 services to LAX.
Entire thing was a colossal management stuff-up and over reach.