In early February, the administration finally agreed to meet with trade unions and staff associations (TUs) to discuss the so-called ‘modernisation of delegations’, particularly the decision to dismiss local agents at several EU delegations.
This meeting only happened because it was a necessary conciliation step – as set out in the Framework Agreement between TUs and the Administration – after all representative TUs of the Commission had issued a strike warning to protest again the dismissals and the refusal of the administration to hold negotiation meetings (social dialogue) on the issue.
This was a last resort after calls for proper discussions about the fate ofhi the colleagues involved, and more generally about the future of delegations, were refused by the administration for several months. During this time, the administration continued with its plans and even sent dismissal letters to some local agents. The approach used was ‘divide et impera’: the colleagues involved, all of whom were in the Western Balkans, were treated differently depending on the country concerned and, in most cases, were given little notice to prepare for the situation. Adding insult to injury, many of those affected are in their fifties and have served the EU institutions for over 20 years.
Staff representatives did not receive clear and complete information about the dismissals, sometimes receiving no information at all, and calls for proper social dialogue were constantly rejected. Even colleagues who were made redundant were not given sufficient time or information to help them deal with the situation, which increased the disarray and hurdles they had to overcome.
As the situation became increasingly serious, with redundancy notices already having been sent to those affected, Generation 2004 concluded that enough was enough! We therefore united with the other representative Trade Union (TU) to issue a strike warning to the administration, and organised information sessions for all colleagues to keep staff informed of the situation. Today it is local agents (LAs), but who will it be tomorrow? Contract Agents? Temporary agents? Generation 2004 is aware that posts have already been cut in delegations, far beyond those covered by LAs. With the Large-Scale Review and the MFF looming, the question is: who will be the next to be ‘deprioritised’?
The meeting with the administration helped clarify our positions and provide some clarifications: the administrations stated that that only 78 local agents are being dismissed, and that there will be no more dismissal than those announced. Although this is called “phase one”, there will be no phase two.
Generation 2004 believes that saying ‘only’ 78 people is unacceptable in itself. Firstly, because everyone counts. Secondly, because 78 is not a small number; these are 78 lives that have been shattered after many years of service to the institutions. Thirdly, this could affect 78 families, meaning around 300 people are involved. Is this really a small number?
We therefore made it clear that if the political decision has already been made and cannot be undone, as Commissioner Serafin stated when commenting on the LAs’ dismissals at an earlier meeting on the Large Scale Review after we had brought this subject to his attention, then these colleagues deserve the best redundancy package that the institutions could possibly offer. Not the bare minimum, as seems to have been offered in several cases. A clear reference framework should also be established for all redundancy cases, providing a basis for further negotiations and ensuring decent treatment for all staff members involved, while allowing for adjustments to account for local realities or individual situations.
In addition, colleagues should receive significant support for retraining, reskilling, and finding a new job. If this is not possible, or if the person is approaching retirement age, they should be supported into retirement. Everyone should also have comprehensive health coverage.
Additionally, we asked the administration to provide us with full details of the entire process and be part of it, so that we can negotiate the best possible conditions for those involved, as well as understanding how it might affect other colleagues in delegations and beyond. Proper social dialogue must be reinstated as a matter of urgency.
Furthermore, we demanded an analysis of the impact of the so called “modernisation of Delegations” on the workload and wellbeing of colleagues who will continue to work there. This is to help prevent work overload, burnout and other health risks.
Finally, in view of the increasingly complex geopolitical context, we asked the Commission why it appears that the Commission is retreating from many key countries, including candidate countries in the Western Balkans. What are the political implications of this seemingly administrative decision?
In our view, given the current geopolitical uncertainty and increasing threats, the EU should increase its presence and demonstrate its leadership. We are not convinced that these goals can be achieved by downsizing or closing Delegations. Nor by abruptly firing loyal staff who have served for decades.
This meeting was just the first step in a longer negotiation process. The administration has agreed to share information with us and to meet again in a few days. Rest assured that Generation 2004 will continue defending all the staff involved and asking uncomfortable questions until all of our requests have received a satisfactory answer.
As usual, if you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to get in touch with Generation 2004.
