senioritet

Senioritet, or senioritet in Norwegian, refers to the principle that certain rights, privileges, or positions are determined by length of service or tenure rather than by performance alone. The concept is widely used in employment relations, unions, and public administration to establish order and predictability in how resources and opportunities are allocated.

In practice, senioritet affects areas such as promotions, shift scheduling, vacation planning, recall after layoff, and sometimes wage progression. For example, when staffing decisions are made after a downturn, the most senior employees may be prioritized for reemployment. In vacation planning, longer-tenured staff may get preferred dates. In some organizations, tenure also influences pension accrual or severance terms.

Senioritet is often codified in collective bargaining agreements and organizational policies. Many workplaces combine tenure-based rights with merit-based criteria, creating a hybrid system in which tenure provides baseline protections and privileges, while performance and skills determine higher levels of advancement or compensation.

Legal and policy frameworks govern how senioritet interacts with anti-discrimination laws, equal treatment, and disciplinary procedures. While senioritet can provide job security and predictable advancement, critics argue that rigid tenure rules may hinder mobility and adaptability, especially in fast-changing industries. Proponents contend that senioritet rewards experience, loyalty, and long-term commitment, contributing to workforce stability and collective bargaining strength.