Pros
Compared with other companies in the area, Merck has a good benefits package and above average compensation if you are willing to start out in a union role. Vacation time also builds up quickly.
Kontras
No development for employees. Your ability to achieve a work life balance will depend on your manager. Some people are given great flex schedules, while others are told that they need to come in early and stay late to cover those who have flex time. Middle management is grossly incompetent and over staffed while those displaying product and process knowledge are being laid off. Site head of quality operations stood in a cross-functional meeting and announced that he doesn't care how many 483s the company gets, as long as they save money. Morale is at an all time low, and managers encourage employees to work 10+ hours of unpaid OT each week by constantly reminding workers that there are more layoffs scheduled for this year.