Does this mean that for the first time ever EK are admitting that there is a problem and that they are short of pilots...?!
As been said before, its a start but before anyone gets excited I think you need to see the T&Cs as one thing is for sure is that this type of contract won't come for free and out of good will.
The OM-A will have to be re-written with loads of Annexes forbidding you to do this or that and allowing them to do what they want to suit operational requirement!