They were hired with less and should not have been per the contract. There is a long story that goes with them being hired, but the result of this happening was LOA 2008-3. The LOA allows those 7 to remain employed, but prevents the company from allowing it to happen again.

This is from the LOA:

"WHEREAS, in order to be eligible to obtain an ATP certificate, certain minimum requirements must be met, among them, that the pilot must have accumulated at least 1500 flight hours and be at least 23 years of age"