Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Because there's also a shortage at the regionals of qualified CA's to fly with, and CA-qualified instructors to train new hires (and new CA's).
Plenty of mainline FOs who would be happy to be loaned to regional partners for those tasks provided they keep their seniority and other benefits.
Solutions to this self-inflicted wound exist but it appears that can-kicking until the next downturn (combined with constant whining to Congress and the Press) remains the default strategy.