The demand for new pilots in the GoM is pretty steady these days. PHI has been hiring about four per month for the last several years.
The companies can afford to be somewhat selective in their hiring at the moment, but attitude is all important. A 1000 hour guy may very well impress the interviewers over a more experienced pilot.
Most companies are looking for pilots who will minimize their training and operating costs. Therefore, if you can convince them you'll be easy on the equipment, will keep the customer happy, and will stay for the long haul you'll be more attractive than someone who plans to use this as a stepping stone.
Relations with management vary from company to company. At PHI they are now and have for some time been pretty cordial.
-Stan-