The idea of "seniority" is being used RIGHT NOW in ATS (Cablevision)... and there are no complaints about it.
Isn't "seniority" being used to determine free cable for those who stay with the company for 20 or more years?
20 years..... receive 10-year cable benefit after retirement
25 years..... receive 15-year cable benefit after retirement
30 plus....... lifetime benefit
Is seniority being applied here? Of course, it is. And why start at 20? Why not 15.... or maybe 10?
How about vacation time? Why is that any different? The longer you stay with a company, the longer your vacation time. All companies do the samet. Again, determined by "seniority".
How about starting pay for new hires? Why are new hires paid less than what you're currently earning? Does that sound fair to you? After all, he's performing the same job and task as you are. Except you've been with the company a number of years and earning more. Hmmm.... sounds like "seniority" to me.
And then there are the arguments about promotions.
First of all, I have posted links to 3 samples, but real, union contracts, so that YOU can check this "issue" for yourself. But I assume you've been too busy, or you just "don't feel like" reading them. That's fine. I, totally get it.
All three union contracts give the company the responsibility on WHO gets the promotion, based on the recipient being able to perform the job. PERIOD. Anyone may apply for any position that the company puts out. All who apply MUST BE ABLE to perform what the promotion, or new position describes. And if all candidates are equal in skill or talent, needed for that position, then YES, "seniority" comes to play. He gets and deserves the shot. But that DOES NOT give him automatic passage into OSP if he clearly doesn't understand the workings of an RF trunk, despite spending multiple years in Dispatch. (no offense intended).
So, if it still sounds like favoritism to you, then ask the retiree why he doesn't deserve the 15-year cable benefit instead of the 10-year. Or, how about waiting on line for the door to open on Black Friday? Weren't those closest to the door the ones who were there the longest? Isn't that "seniority"?
If the economy goes in the toilet and the company needs to lay off employees, then YES, it is based on "seniority". And the reason is simple and basic. Companies WITHOUT unions will lay-off redundant or high-salary employees first. Just ask those who were in management what Altice did to them. And it is also a way for companies to keep or hire lower paid talent as your replacement.
Perhaps the company is tired of you bringing up vital issues and sees you as a threat. And uses the term "lay-off" as the reason for letting you go. And maybe that is why most of you will remain quiet when something is wrong. The fear of a bogus "lay-off" looms over your head.
If business picks up and the company wants to rehire... guess who gets recalled first? You got it.
Now you see why unions make this into a big deal. And companies despise it. They hate the fact that their hands are tied. They do not have 100% control. It becomes the itch that is in an area they cannot reach.
So, think clearly and weigh all factors, fellas
More importantly.... don't let this issue be THE deciding factor.