Originally Posted by Re-Heat
Yes, but that is an example of a company with no effective HR deparment to enforce a meritocracy. As others above have pointed out, there are successful airlines without seniority systems.
I couldn't sign off without pointing out that HR departments are in no position to enforce anything in a technical role. They do not have the skills or the knowledge to make an objective assessment. There may be successful airlines without seniority systems (can you name them, just out of interest?) but the most profitable airlines in the world all have a seniority system.
Thirsty Re-Heat? Got a nice Kool-Aid here for ya!