This will be my last post on this subject as I want to make my position clear. This subject has turned into a bit of a mud slinging match so my two cents again.
Monarch is a very good company. The people are proffesional, friendly and a joy to work with. The training is top notch, the equipment is in good shape (for its age) and their public image is solid. There is no doubting this.
The contract however is another story. The pay scale and pension are sub par in the industry in the UK. This is fact plain and simple. Starting salary is now 5k behind most, the pay scale is capped for both FO's and Capt's (for new joiners) and the pension is 5-7% lower than the other big operators. Roster stability is a nightmare for many but thats another story.
You can sugar coat things all you like but as much as I love flying, I want top wage and a pension to retire on. Monarch would provide anyone with a good career but the facts remain, there are others out there who provide much more.