Farming has traditionally been a high risk occupation as well for much the same reasons as the fishing industry.
Boing has hit the nail on the head regarding our profession, same old cycle of boom and bust with the established carrier unions doing nothing for their lot in life but demand more money when the cycle is high and the companies reducing benefits when the cycle is low.
Unfortunately it’s become an adversarial system with little in terms of stability and lifestyle for all concerned (company and employees). As long as both sides base the end game on "the dollar goes in my pocket" rather than building a solid company based on customers (safety & security), employee well-being and company profitability we will continue this cycle of boom and bust.
The way things are shaping up in the U.S., I think it may be safe to say that the most dangerous job to be in is a bean counter / CEO (manipulator?).
I know I've about had my fill of it and at mid-career (airline) I am ready to bow out and get on with a real life...