Actually, no. US unemployment topped out at 10.0% in October 2009. Over the last 2.5 years, it has been steadily improving, currently at 8.1%. I have to think the airline execs are sweating bullets at the thought of an improving economy, the 1500 hour rule, the mass retirement waves about to be realized, and Asian airlines poaching US pilots all hitting at the same time. It might take a few more years before it hits them, but due to supply and demand, higher salaries, and signing bonuses will soon become the norm.