Bump (union)
Bump is when jobs are reassigned in a unionized workplace based on seniority. It often happens during layoffs or when assigning work shifts, vacation dates, or other duties. The worker with more years on the job may displace someone with less seniority. When a vacancy is filled by the more senior worker, the displaced person’s job becomes open and may be filled by another worker with the right seniority, creating a chain of bumps. Some unions allow this, while others have exceptions—for example, summer interns who do not gain seniority and cannot bump others. Best practices include clear bumping rules in contracts and providing training and support to managers and employees to keep the process fair and consistent.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 05:58 (CET).