Understanding Union Seniority

What does union seniority really mean?

The truth is that union contracts can’t meet everyone’s needs. Here’s how seniority tends to play out:

• Those who have been here longer often get the shifts they want, which can leave newer associates frustrated, constantly stuck with undesirable shifts.

• Seniority will likely determine who can take vacations or holidays at their preferred dates and times.

• Sometimes, the most senior associates are chosen for promotions, even when someone else has better qualifications or would be a better fit for the role.

• If there are staffing changes, the union typically prioritizes those with more seniority, even if they’re not performing as well as newer associates.

While union contracts claim to promote fairness, they often end up favoring those who have been in the organization the longest. We believe in recognizing the skills and contributions of everyone, not just their length of service. It’s about making sure we have the best people in the right roles to support our patients and their families.