10.15 Civil Rights-Title VII-Defense-Bona FIDE Seniority System is a defense available to employers under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It allows employers to use a bona fide seniority system when it comes to decisions regarding hiring, promotions, layoffs, and other terms and conditions of employment. Generally, a bona fide seniority system is one that has been in place for a significant period of time and is based on the length of an employee's service with the employer. This system must be nondiscriminatory and must be applied consistently to all employees. Examples of a bona fide seniority system include seniority-based pay increases, promotions, and job assignments.