I agree that the whole UK (and many other countries) helicopter pilots are underpaid. Sad thing is that unless something is done about it by the pilots themselves, then little is likely to change.
Helicopter flying for a good company with a reasonable pay packet and fair working conditions can be a great job. Pilots don't even mind wearing rubber suits, so long as they are looked after as people and in the pay packet. As an industry, we're not greedy, we just want a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. The industry will not be able to attract good people unless salaries are in line with the skills, dangers and requirements of the job.
The offshore helicopter pilots here do reasonably ok, not as well as they should, but ok. However, the lower cost of living and the lifestyle go a long way to making things better than they otherwise would be.
The current helicopter salaries and conditions have been hard won by many a session in the industrial courts backed by the union. Basically, the union here have done ok for their rotary wing members.
That's what needs to happen in the UK, firstly on the North Sea because that's where the impact can initially be made. Strong, united union representation and full recognition of the unions by the operator's management is needed before things can improve. Experience has shown that if everybody just sits back then things will only get worse.