We're seeing a similar system playing out over here in some union environments, specifically airline pilots. The "old guard" managed significant concessions from industry, but the newer guys end up with a much less competitive package. So you end up with a two-tiered situation.
Doesn't seem like that is a healthy situation in general.
Speaking of more complex ways of categorizing and rewarding business and employees reminds me of my recent interaction with a local government that had a "start-up" type program in place. I asked about office space and maybe some shared services -- something like an incubator. They were very friendly: I immediately received a 40-page packet by email which was so detailed as to be incomprehensible. (For instance, parking fees were waived up to a certain point, or alternatively fees could be reduced without a limit if I used an office that was farther away). It was like reading a report put together by every aspect of local government, each trying to help but actually making the presentation so complicated it would take an expert system to use or compare it to other offers.
> We're seeing a similar system playing out over here in some union environments
It's more of a contract/union thing in the US, though. In Italy, 'standard' contracts are more or less legislated. Most likely that occurs elsewhere as well, although "it's complicated". Germany, until recently, apparently did not have a minimum wage, something that really surprised me.
Doesn't seem like that is a healthy situation in general.
Speaking of more complex ways of categorizing and rewarding business and employees reminds me of my recent interaction with a local government that had a "start-up" type program in place. I asked about office space and maybe some shared services -- something like an incubator. They were very friendly: I immediately received a 40-page packet by email which was so detailed as to be incomprehensible. (For instance, parking fees were waived up to a certain point, or alternatively fees could be reduced without a limit if I used an office that was farther away). It was like reading a report put together by every aspect of local government, each trying to help but actually making the presentation so complicated it would take an expert system to use or compare it to other offers.