I work as a dispatcher where the people who work with me are cool coworkers. Most of them are relaxed and like to joke around, which really lives the place up.
But something that's irked me ever since I've started here was the older employees' definition of seniority. I'm not sure if the majority on the subreddit would agree with it or not, but the employees who've worked here for 2 to 8+ years believe that because they've done the same job for so long they're entitled to sit around and make newer employees do it.
Typically, it is ideal to train the newer people, but we haven't had a new employee in the last year and a half, yet they still use that concept as a scapegoat. I've worked here for almost three years, and our newest person has been here for over one year.
Keep in mind that we do have an elderly/close to retirement that the rest of us wouldn't hesitate to help out. Or even do most of their job for them simply because they're getting to an age where they need the help.
My issue is able bodied coworkers shirking responsibility in the name of “I've been here longer than you therefore I deserve a break from my x years of service.” We are all here doing the same thing for a living, what gives you the authority to allow yourself to do nothing while on the clock and make someone else do it for you?
Something else worth noting is that these people claiming their “seniority” privilege have not received any sort of official or unofficial promotion. These individuals are perfectly capable of performing the job they're paid to do.
Am I acting out of line? If I'm not or if this is unacceptable, is there a way I can combat it or bring it up to the head honchos in a way that doesn't sound like I'm complaining?
TLDR: Rules for thee, but not for me. Coworkers believe that age = authority within the same position. To me, this is absurd. Do you agree or disagree? Is there a way I can present this issue to the higher-ups without sounding like a hateful employee?