Given that they probably lose about 40% in tax and social contributions that leaves a little over 100k take home, a little more than 8000 a month.
Instead of criticism, we should be thinking more along the lines of Yeah, well that is what this /and your, job is worth.
Think not ? ask how much your dentist/accountant/solicitor earns without personal physical risk, unsocial hours, uncomfortable & physically & mentally tiring working environment, exposure to noise, hydraulic & oil fumes, cosmic radiation, lack of oxygen, dvt risk etc etc, Oh & the distinct possibility to lose their job every time they do it, never mind every 6mths a sim or medical just to add a few more traps.
Don't ask why the controllers want more, ask yourself why you have been beaten into accepting so much less.