Hang on a minute. You could be 40 and have 5 years service, or 35 and have 15 years service.
Tell me about ageism again?
On the subject of German and American unions, I'll just throw a couple of things in the pot. This rather sensible quote about the German union movement:
German labour unions have achieved agreements which help enhance training potential for employees, a move from which employers also benefit. These agreements have particular importance in view of restructuring and other changes within firms. The context of the debate is the argument that labour unions should be modernised, a concept which includes alliances between the unions and company managers, and increased responsibility by unions for how firms perform.
And as for America, well let's just say if BASSA ran the US motor industry, America would no longer have one.
I'd type more but busy day at work today (No union for me here!). Look forward to reading more later.