I don't think you're following what I'm saying. Suppose a cadet started the program today and you were hired next month (August) with the cadet's class date the month after (September). The cadet would not be senior to you - that person would be senior in their September class.

Being in the cadet program gets you top seniority in your respective class only. Everyone else who's not a cadet in class has their seniority determined by the last 4 of your SSN.

Which is why I asked. I understand the difference between an employee number and a seniority number. So when 15 cadets show up with a class of 50 hired pilots starting day 1, they are at the top of the list in that class even though they aren't legal to fly yet

Seriously?!!
No.
The cadets don't start class until they have the time just like everyone else!
The cadets don't show up until they have the times to start class... That is when they get their seniority number.

When guys show up to day one of class as cadets they are only there for their orientation. You will have the same employee start date, but that cadet does not get a pilot seniority number until the first day of his crj ground school.

People have answered this question adequately before me

Ok that's good to hear. Carry On!

What in the he|| is a cadet program and since when/why do we have it?

Just a way to target potential candidates while they're still building time. They interview them and give them employee numbers to make them feel special...

it also saves the company from having to deal out referral money. Once a guy signs up for the cadet program he is considered an employee and no longer eligible to designate a referring friend.

DL travel bennies for E175 guys aren't looking good - as in dedicated domicile only - if you haven't already contact your reps and let them know this aggression cannot stand.