Although things are changing in the Training department I doubt that they are changing anymore than at comparable airlines and most majors. I do not believe the end product has been compromised yet. Although there may be a case against the Recruiting department.
On my most recent PPC ground school the real difference was that I did not sit in front of a computer for several hours. The company expect me to refresh that knowledge in my own time. Really it is basic stuff that we should know anyway.
My experience of new TRIs is that they are motivated and knowledgable and this goes a long way in making up for the experience of the TREs who in some cases are just 'box tickers' looking for an easy buck. The package for TCs is as good now as it has ever been.
As far as getting Christmas or New Year off we have a computerised bidding system which would work quite well if the company was firstly not losing crew and secondly attracting new joiners.
What I believe is needed now is a means of getting the company to realise that short term savings and employee management that have a negative effect on our working and home life will likely lead to a long term increase in costs to the company as a whole.