Rumour doing the rounds that a QF B767 captain who had applied for a DEC position with V Oz politely withdrew his application when they advised the salary/conditions. Two weeks later, V Oz phoned him up and asked what salary would be sufficient for him to work for them. Apparently, they reached agreement on an undisclosed amount and he is to start with them in the near future.
If this is true then it shows that, if you know what your skills are worth, you can negotiate an acceptable package.