What is the significance of seniority in ILWU contracts?

Seniority holds a critical place in ILWU contracts, playing a substantial role in various employment aspects. Its significance arises primarily from the framework it provides for job assignments, promotions, layoffs, and benefits, which are often governed by the principle of seniority. This means that, in many cases, employees with longer tenure at a company may have priority over newer employees when it comes to picking shifts, receiving promotions, or being retained during layoffs.

This structure creates a fair and systematic way to manage employment decisions, ensuring that those who have dedicated more time to the organization are recognized and rewarded for their service. Additionally, benefits such as vacation time or retirement plans may also accumulate based on an employee's length of service, further establishing the importance of seniority in the workplace. In this context, seniority is not simply a matter of being first in line; rather, it reflects a deeper commitment to employee rights and job security outlined in the ILWU contracts.