Aren't you all too negative? I think this can be seen in two ways:
1. This is done to some routes that has extra ordinarily costs, like overnights for all staff. It is a pretty decent way of cutting cost by hiring staff from these destinations, as it does not affect the salaries & perks.
It is just cutting away unnecessary costs.
It also has the advantage of getting a few native speaking staff from these destinations (like on the asian routes).
or
2. This is the slippery slope, they just try to see if staff and unions can accept this first deal, and after that they are going full steam ahead to outsourcing or out-stationing of all staff.
I am actually leaning towards #1.
Even #2 is not the
"100% LCC -type of operations". LCC's usually force staff to start their own businesses in some low tax environment, and hiring them back on short term leases. Staff will then be void of any normal security from national insurances and labour laws.