Let's stop the union/management rhetoric for a second. I think this goes well beyond the realm of such discussion.
It's a bad time for everyone, not only the pilots, but the cabin crew, ground staff, etc. The unfortunate thing is that there is no way to predict when the epidemic will be contained. Original estimates of the summertime may perhaps be a bit optimistic. In light of this, I'm not surprised about the shutdown at all. Now whether or not it's just unpaid leave, or actual layoffs (which I assume will be coming), I'm hoping is just the former.
And would Cathay recover if it does end? Has this done irrepairable damage to the Hong Kong economy?
Have to stay optimistic, I suppose.