Monarch pilots are very close to a strike for similar reasons to those described above. We are trying to get our pay and conditions UP to the level of easyJet's current condiditons!!
Not saying you easy people shouldn't fight for a decent pay and lifestyle package, just reinforcing the view that nost UK companies have been making money and expanding on the basis of stiffling pilot pay and conditions over the last few years. In fact Monarch's Managing Director said precisely that to the Company Council at the start of present negotiations - how to p*ss off a workforce in one easy step!
All pilot workforces should be prepared to face down management over the coming year as we've reached a pivotal point in this industry. Either we take some of the power back or we sign on for decreasing T's and C's for the rest of our careers. That means facing down management no matter how long it takes!