Summer-only working is available on the short-haul operation. I believe it is 80% of the pay year round but is more like 7 months on, 5 off now.
The booking of leave, days off etc has now been simplified by adopting MYTs system allowing you to access a spreadsheet and book your leave/days off there and then instead of having to wait months to see if you have been successful or not.
BALPA is well represented. Over 80% membership I believe and a powerful tool in negotations with management. Too early to tell if the new management is going to try to screw us on T&Cs but I would imagine so as most airline managements try to these days don't they ?