This is a really good point, it has actually been done before in many places around the world, the problem is that there are no ATC peoples, they are really few compared to how many unemployed pilots there are around the world. How much would they get paid in Brazil? in most places they make more then senior Capts....
It would probably be easier bringing in English speaking ATC, but as you say the salary here wouldn't attract many people. There is a reason most controllers have one or two extra jobs, and it's not because they're workaholics
The salary is also one reason for the poor showing in English. Whereas most pilots earn at least a living wage and can therefore afford private lessons, controllers generally lack both money and time to do the same. Some time ago I saw the budget allocated for teaching controllers to the minimum English standard and frankly it was utterly ridiculous.
Aviation safety is done on the cheap and the politicians have just voted themselves a 73% pay rise....
TTFN