This is exactly why we should do away with the longevity scale. I've never agreed with the fact that two people doing the exact same job at the exact same company are paid different wages. Use seniority for bidding, vacation, upgrades, etc. We would at least be able to switch companies thus giving us more leverage. Take it a step further and come out with national wages. Then companies can't undercut each other. This would also take away the advantage start-ups have. No one would be punished in implementing my idea. We would keep the max pay scale at all companies. A national seniority list will never happen. My idea is at least plausible. The problem is the companies would never agree to it as it would give us incredible leverage.