Why do you presume they need to do anything? Did Qantas need to keep flying to FRA? Did it need to keep flying to CDG/EZE or anywhere else or did it need to keep flying SYD/LAX 3-4 times a day as it used to? Clearly not.
The assumptions many pilots make that Qantas will inevitably need to do things are simply wrong. Especially when they then take the next step in the assumption and presume it means massive gains in terms and conditions. There is a point where the fares able to be charged cannot justify the investment in new aircraft/more pilots/more expensive pilots. No one who posts on this chat site knows that point.
I see plenty from the likes of Rated De about the evils of HR, IR, politicians, 457 visas, unions etc. I see very little discussion and analysis of the economics of the international aviation market. The latter is a much, much bigger factor regarding new fleet than the former.