twu seniority

3 min read 23-02-2025

Meta Description: This comprehensive guide explains TWU seniority, covering its impact on bidding, benefits, and dispute resolution. Learn how seniority works, its importance for TWU members, and how to protect your rights. Discover resources for resolving seniority-related issues and maintaining your seniority standing within the union.

What is TWU Seniority?

Seniority within the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) refers to the length of time a member has worked continuously for a particular employer under the union's collective bargaining agreement. It's a crucial factor affecting various aspects of a member's employment, from job assignments and benefits to protection against layoffs. Essentially, the longer you've worked continuously, the more seniority you accrue. This seniority is not transferable between different employers or even different divisions within the same company.

How TWU Seniority Impacts Your Career

Seniority plays a significant role in several key areas:

1. Job Bidding and Assignments

TWU seniority systems usually grant members with greater seniority the first opportunity to bid on better jobs or assignments. This could mean better routes, shifts, or locations, depending on your specific collective bargaining agreement. Understanding your seniority and the bidding process is essential to securing your preferred work conditions.

2. Layoffs and Recall

In the unfortunate event of layoffs, seniority generally protects more senior members. TWU contracts typically outline a system where the most junior employees are laid off first, and during recall, seniority dictates the order of rehiring. This offers a crucial layer of job security.

3. Benefits and Privileges

Some TWU contracts may grant additional benefits based on seniority. These could include things like vacation time, sick leave accrual, or other perks. Check your specific collective bargaining agreement for details on how seniority impacts your benefits package.

4. Grievance Procedures

If you believe your seniority rights have been violated, the TWU provides a grievance procedure to address the issue. Understanding this process and knowing how to file a grievance is critical to protecting your seniority and employment rights.

Maintaining Your Seniority

Preserving your seniority is paramount. Here's how:

Continuous Employment: Breaks in employment can significantly impact or even negate your seniority. Always ensure your employment remains continuous under the terms of your contract.
Understanding Your Contract: Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your collective bargaining agreement regarding seniority, including the calculation methods and any exceptions.
Accurate Record Keeping: Keep records of your employment dates, promotions, and any other relevant information affecting your seniority.
Active Union Participation: Staying involved in your local union can keep you informed of changes that might affect your seniority.

Resolving Seniority Disputes

Disputes over seniority can arise. If you believe your seniority has been miscalculated or violated, you should:

Contact your Union Representative: Your shop steward or union representative is your first point of contact for resolving seniority disputes.
File a Grievance: Follow the established grievance procedures outlined in your collective bargaining agreement.
Seek Legal Counsel: In more complex or serious cases, you might consider consulting with an employment lawyer specializing in labor law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How is TWU seniority calculated?

A: The calculation of TWU seniority varies depending on the specific collective bargaining agreement. It usually involves the total time worked continuously under the agreement. Always refer to your contract for the precise details.

Q: What happens if I transfer to a different division within the company?

A: Seniority is usually not transferable between different divisions or departments. You'll generally start accumulating seniority anew in your new position.

Q: Can my seniority be lost?

A: Yes, under certain circumstances such as a significant break in employment or violation of the collective bargaining agreement, your seniority can be affected.

This guide provides general information. Always consult your specific TWU collective bargaining agreement and union representatives for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your seniority rights and protections. Understanding and protecting your TWU seniority is crucial for your job security and career progression.