I really don't understand your issue with seniority, nor your purpose in trying to change minds regarding the system. The seniority based system in this industry will not change in the US...you're wasting your time. In terms of seniority being a tool of management, there are other organizations that use seniority that don't have a management-labor relationship, such as in politics or the military. Military date of rank sets seniority. Years as a senator or Congressman affect committee chairmanships. I think the entire argument is a red herring.