Final answer:
The increasing level of organizational instability resulting from rightsizing, outsourcing, mergers, and increased global competition has c. weakened employer's commitment to seniority and decreased the importance of seniority clauses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increasing level of organizational instability resulting from rightsizing, outsourcing, mergers, and increased global competition has weakened employer's commitment to seniority and decreased the importance of seniority clauses. These changes have been observed in several industries, including manufacturing, service, and white-collar sectors.
Outsourcing has led to the reduction of high-paying, often unionized, blue-collar positions, as well as low-level clerical and support positions. Mergers and streamlining of command structures have also resulted in a decrease in the number of supervisory and managerial positions. The shift towards a service-oriented economy and increased global competition have further contributed to the decline in the proportion of workers belonging to unions.
Overall, these organizational changes have weakened the traditional relationship between employers and employees, making seniority less important and reducing employer's commitment to seniority.