"Labour Rate" is a complex calculation of which salary costs are only a part. In our region we have relatively high salaries and cost of living but there is no tax, aircraft spares are duty free and our premises are fully depreciated; so we can charge labour rates as low as China. Consequently, some far-flung operators find it economical to ferry aircraft all the way over here for maintenance.
Brits can blame New Labour; Germany has unification to thank for Lufthansa sending all their 737s to Malta and Hungary. Socialism and the EC - who needs it?
Someone must have voted for all this to happen. Who was it? Come on, own up!