Laminar,
SAS is in its largest expansion ever; 50% in 5 years. The aircraft have been ordered, and about the only thing that can stop the expansion plans is pilot shortage.
Today SAS has difficulties providing enough aircraft for its own production; thus a cooperation with Braathens is only welcome.
As for costs, pilot salaries in Braathens are roughly 90% of SAS salaries, and they operate B737s. So i doubt that the difference in operating costs are large.
As for the economic slump scenario:
If the companies are merged, people will be fired from the bottom of the list, so the result for former Braathens pilots will depend on how the unions decide to merge the seniority lists.
It must also be remembered that Braathens only chance of survival right now is to be bought, and SAS is so far the only interested buyer.
------------------
"what's it doing now...?"