Why is seniority so important?

Question

Specially here in the U.S, if you have seniority you are given the most responsible tasks, even though someone else can perform them as good as you can or even better, because I believe that a new employee has fresh knowledge, Enthusiasm, is not bored with everything and may be able to perform a task better than an old bored employee.

Answer 1

Seniority is a concept left over from the labor union days. I think it has little place in today's workplace. The person who is best able to handle the job should get it no matter if they are 20 or an old man like me.

Answer 2

Younger employees are not always better but I agree that the most qualified person should be given a position.
People with seniority should be rewarded though, for years of good work. I think they should get others perqs though, like more time off, etc

Answer 3

But that "old, bored" employee has the experience to do the task in a timely manner

Answer 4

In many Union jobs, senority counts more than competence.
Not that it's always right, but it's in the contract.

In reality, if someone has been working for an employer longer, shouldn't they get more consideration?
What else would be the reward for sticking around?
If you were bypassed after working there for 10 years and some wet behind the ears pup promoted over you, would it make you feel good about working for that company?

Answer 5

A newer employee will have alot of enthusiasm, but hasn't been on the job long enough to know the job thru and thru yet. This takes time to be able to know all parts of a job and know how to do each part. It's called "putting your time in."

Answer 6

You can't just disregard someone because they are older, ask that question again in the future when YOU are that old employee. I bet you'll think differently about the older people of our community.

Answer 7

it all boils down to experience, and the fact that they've waited for it long enough. Same thing happens in high school with the seniors