I've been on vaca (and still are for a bit longer...), but I have not heard of an unqualified (i.e. not completed OE) FO being assigned R1. Understanding that R1 is considered airport reserve (which we pull from the hotel...at least for now (for the cheap seats, it's not contractual and a Covid protocol that ABX put in place...it's long term is unknown when/if it will expire)). R1 crewmembers can be launched at a moments notice either individually or as a crew. Therefore the concept of having a new hire without OE actually on this duty is perplexing.

My guess, without looking into this further, is new hire FO who have not started/completed OE are tasked to be in domicile should an opening in a OE schedule become available. If they allowed one to wait at home, any short opportunities for OE training would be lost. Check pilots have constantly changing schedules, so I can easily see where this can occur. Finally as many have already stated, training is difficult for almost all airlines these days but regardless they are signing the check and new hires still cash them.