10,000 sounds like a lot. Big operation = big numbers. Keep in mind we have 2600 pilots. We did 5,000 flights over the Thanksgiving travel week.
Fatigue calls are encouraged from some chief pilots. My CP feels our fatigue calls are too low. Better to be safe then risk people's lifes. I know it's hard to understand a company culture looking in from the outside. Myself and EVERY SINGLE NJA pilot I've ever met are more then happy to cover for someone calling in fatigued. I've personally gone a year without the need to wave the white flag. I've also gotten very close to calling in fatigued twice in one week. One crash is too many.
99% of guys don't like calling in fatigued. A large number of the fatigue calls happen because the pilot's partner told them they need to call fatigued. Yes, there is always abuse in any system. No company is immune to it. I'd guess fatigue call abuse is extremely low. On the other hand, sick call abuse is a completely different animal. Most guys view sick days as personal days.