Union seniority

One of the basic concepts of unionism was the seniority system. When it came to overtime work those most senior got the time and a half pay. When it came to layoffs the least senior were the first to go. This whole idea has now been challenged by the Minnesota teachers union. According to their rules, effective in 2023, white teachers will be laid off first regardless of seniority. This is an example of equity where equity means equal results. The thinking is that in the past teachers were discriminated against because of skin color and this is a way to make up for past mistakes. The fact that current teachers had little or nothing to do with past practices is irrelevant. It is the argument for reparations.