I think there are a few misconceptions as do people really think the nearly 3000 Ryanair pilots enjoy insults and deteriorating conditions - of course not. In my opinion the thing that irks a lot of people is the inability to get leave and of course the respect issue from management.
As for deteriorating conditions am not so sure;
Fixed 5 on 4 off roster
Ok money between £115-120k TRE
Final salary pension (not available now but small pension being offered)
£5k per year to cover expenses and medicals etc
£60 net per day per annual leave day
£230 net day off payment plus sector pay on day
28 days leave
New aircraft 737-800
Lucky to be in a UK base where I want to be.
I cant speak for contractors as I am a permanent employee but this is always the dilemma with FR. They make it just palatable enough that you dont start looking elsewhere.
Nearly 3000 pilots now we cant all be delude - can we?????
Also Ryanair is probably single handed keeping the flying schools of Europe in business as I cant think of any other airlines still hiring in numbers and giving some hope to those wannabes out there shelling out massive wonga on a CPL.