A multi-level lock procedure is used in scheduling access of a table in a database by multiple processes running in parallel. A lock level is associated with a particular process, a higher lock level representing a larger number of other processes having priority over the particular process in accessing the table. Repeatedly attempt to associate the particular process with a lower lock level, and if the particular process has been successfully associated with the lower lock level, release a previous lock level associated with the particular process so that the previous lock level may be associated with other processes. Allow the particular process to access the table when the lock level for the particular process is equal to a preset value.