Over the last five years experienced pilots have been in short supply in the UK. There has been a lot of movement between companies, which according to economic theory should lead to rising salaries(demand greater than supply in a highly mobile work force). Judging by the accents in the air the tight market has sucked in experienced pilots from other countries. That doesn't quite fit with the idea of UK pilots being the only ones prepared to work for lower salaries. I think the situation is much more complex. The USA has a culture of devil take the hindmost. I have brought this up before but we need to look at the total pilot market. There is a huge gap between what pilots with the majors and those with the regionals earn. What is the average income of a professional pilot in the US and in Europe. Even that will nopt tell us if the Americans really are better negotiators or if those with the clout thrive at the expense of those on the way up. You also have to compare salary levels with comparable professions in the two markets. Remember the airlines compete for people not just with each other bit with many other industries who need technical professionals. This will have a large effect on salaries required to attract the right people. You have to compare like with like.