The indifference to whether they order aeroplanes or not and the looming shortage has them concerned.
It was circa 2006 and EGM Qantas 'people' Kevin Brown stated in response to protests that the 788 was going to JQ (and I paraphrase)
'What are the pilots worried about, they will still get to fly their shiny metal jets'
Their model is predicated on connected engaged response. They spend enormous resources crafting narrative and also the way it is communicated. Ask any HR strategist. It is dark stuff at times.
In other words, when considering a strategy for example involving something symbolic (think like uniform) they will factor in EXPECTED pilot response to gauge sentiment; is there commentary on social media for example or other indicators of sentimental response by a stakeholder group. It is often during such events that other changes are slipped through.
They have no idea how to generate a response when the pilot body is indifferent and apparently silent.