The harsh reality is the COVID19 drama has provided management with an opportunity they will not waste. Suddenly the world has gone from a shortage of sorts to a gross over supply of unemployed and experienced long haul international pilots. And much more than a few Aussies among them to boot.
Chinese airlines are at best a gulag, albeit ones that pay well. Every expat is gagging to escape that hell. If you think QF management is blind to that, think again. This is their negotiating trump card and all that remains is to see how short sighted they are with its use.