Legal Definitions - dovetail seniority

Definition: Dovetail seniority is the process of combining seniority lists from two or more merging companies into one list. This allows employees to keep their pre-merger seniority, which is important for job security and benefits.

Example: When Company A merges with Company B, they may have different seniority systems in place. Without dovetail seniority, employees from one company may lose their seniority and have to start over at the bottom of the list. However, with dovetail seniority, the two lists are combined in a way that preserves each employee's original seniority.

Another example: Imagine that a small business is acquired by a larger corporation. The employees of the small business may be worried about losing their jobs or benefits. However, if the two companies use dovetail seniority, the employees can feel more secure knowing that their seniority will be recognized and they will not have to start over as new hires.

The examples illustrate how dovetail seniority can benefit employees during a merger or acquisition. By preserving their seniority, employees can maintain their job security, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.