Well let's be pessimistic for the moment...it says that there is a big change to be announced later in the month and it includes the word 'friends'...I suspect you're correct in your assumption - it'd be odd if you weren't - but let's wait and see what they come up with first!
Good news anyway, and hopefully the first step in a range of measures improving the contract offerings. Can I suggest to whichever EK department reads PPRuNe that a way of getting priority (ie out-of-seniority) leave bidding for major life events such as Christenings, weddings and the like would go a very long way - even if just for a maximum of a 4/5 day stretch? It's a big stress and isn't covered by emergency leave!