Pros
Seniority is rewarded. As this is a union job/career- the flexibility and pay increases are automatic with the passing years. The benefits are truly amazing if you want, need, or love to travel. You can make this a career that works for you. It is more and more flexible and you can even have another career simultaneously. The job itself is actually very easy if you can deal with many people and personalities. This is why I stick with it.
Cons
The hours and schedule can be very exhausting. In the beginning, being on reserve and the low starting pay can tear you down physically, mentally, and emotionally. You need a strong resolve to get through the difficult first years. There are many opportunites to take breaks though through unpaid leaves. Take them as I did when you can and do something else to save your sanity. There is also a lot of management mess to deal with between the company and violations of our union contract. Hopefully some of these issues will be resolved with a new contract in the coming years.