Day_Dreamer, nice post especially considering you dont work for Ryanair. Just because we are having these issues at present doesn't make us better or worse pilots does it? As for our french friend who has decided we are all assholes, I dont think its worthy of a reply. Just because the company is they way they are doesn't make those of us who work there any different.
Ryanair isn't such a bad place to work, the issue is that slowly and steadily they are reducing terms and pay, but quite happily making money in the process. If the company was in financial meltdown, then the steps could perhaps be justified. But the problem is that it will continue to happen and there is nothing in place to stop it. Lots of people saying BALPA isn't the answer, so what is the answer? Just be glad we have a nice roster and still earn more money than being unemployed and let them continue?
RAt5, I believe the pilots were the only staff who "agreed" to a pay deal whereby if the company posted 2 periods of loss the allowances could be chopped.