Unless im missing something important, wouldnt they just take the guys from the 767/747-400 when they retire them and give them ratings?
I dont know what if any agreement the union has with the airline but that is the "dogs balls" solution to it. your right when you say that its a compeditive industry and airline management would sell their mothers if they thought they could get any money out of it but....there is'nt that many experienced pilots out there anymore.