ex-expat,
I think that at the root of this argument lies a totally different culture between US citizens and those that live in the UK. You have to remember that the US has a freemarket economy with a much more right wing approach to economics. The difference I have found is that life revolves around money in the US - something that is not so much the case in the UK. We are, of course, from a more socialist background than yourselves.
Although aircrew here are paid a lot less in general than yourselves, the money is still good. As you will appreciate, wages in the long run are set by supply and demand. I believe that, if it were not for a pilot shortage at the moment, the likelyhood that aircrew would be paid the amounts that they are at present with US majors is slim. In my opinion, although the job is a responsible one, pilots are not worth $300,000 a year - after all, there are LOTS of people who could do the job - we are not that special!!!
Although you may well think that this is an irrational approach, you have to ask the question "why do British pilots not pressure airlines & management for higher salaries?" I certainly do not think its because were a nation of pushovers, and I doubt we are seen as this around the world!! My personal view is that the longterm outlook for you guys is not rosey.
Anyway, as they say, 'each to their own', and who the f@ck am I?!
Regards,
Cuban_8