(Why should an Argentinian be paid less??)
Stokken,
Miles Hi has responded already but the question is, why should a European be paid more?
European's have the monopoly in 'JAR Land' but once outside of JAR they're competing with the rest of the ICAO world.
That third world operator, looking for pilots on a restricted budget, if you were running a business, would you paid vastly over the required salary to fill that front seat on your aeroplane? Perhaps a noble gesture to do so but not a way to stay in business.
Yes, when working on a contract it is the same for all of us, ICAO salaries, we can take it or leave it, we all have a choice!
Home, family, friends, hotel rooms instead of home! Ever thought of looking for employment in your own back yard?
Many airlines, countries, do not charge the referred to 'international' air fares. You go to a travel agent in some countries, you'll get a ticket by far cheaper than you would by buying it at 'international' rates.