The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is one of the largest directorates-general (DGs) in the Commission. With its scientific profile it takes pride in its innovative and modern endeavours. JRC practices the remote way of working, in line with the Commission guidelines, but also benefits from it to foster cooperation among its multisite structure of 6 locations across Europe.
However, when it comes to the local staff committee (LSC (‘CLP’: French)) elections, JRC sites in Geel, Karlsruhe and Petten elect their representatives traditionally ‘on paper’ or by postal vote, the ‘analogue way’. Indeed, e-vote is already implemented for 97% Commission colleagues across 4 LSCs covering the most populous Commission sites (JRC-Ispra/Sevilla*, Brussels, Luxembourg and outside the Union*). It is also the means used in the European External Action Service (EEAS) staff committee.
WHY NOT ELSEWHERE?
Many colleagues from JRC Geel, Karlsruhe and Petten are convinced that the current approach in their sites is outdated, and they truly look forward to the implementation of the electronic system. Generation 2004 supports them all the way! We’ve long been advocates for consistency where possible. However, such a change has been systematically discouraged by the representatives of other staff union (‘OSP’) present in our sites, who have expressed their objections and even voted against it during related debates in the LSC plenary meetings.
A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD AGAINST ALL ODDS
Generation 2004 launched a dedicated survey on selected JRC sites (Geel, Karlsruhe and Petten) to confirm the views of the colleagues. The results were analysed and subsequently presented during an ‘E-voting conference’ addressed to colleagues from JRC sites. Consequently, this allowed us to yet again put the point on the agenda of the LSC plenary meetings in Karlsruhe to nurture constructive dialogue with other staff representatives on-site. This approach led to a breakthrough: e-voting was included for the very first time in JRC Karlsruhe LSC electoral regulations. The site’s General Assembly endorsed the amendment, confirming Generation 2004’s e-vote proposal to be aligned with staff’s expectations.
CHALLENGES IN RESOURCE CONSTRAINED TIMES
We have contacted the administration regarding our proposal. In their reply , DG HR agrees that e-voting can streamline the election process, offering secure and efficient vote management, especially for widespread voter populations. However, it confirmed that the necessary resources and budget for extending the new e-voting system to selected locations were unavailable for the upcoming elections, as well as emphasized the need for additional testing to ensure reliability of the voting process. We are disappointed that again money is given as the reason for not doing what we all accept to be the right thing.
A WAY FORWARD
We are grateful for DG HR’s response; it encourages us to work even closer towards harmonizing electoral rules among different LSCs. And while we regret that this will not happen this time, we are committed to advancing electronic voting for the following elections. Our mission is to modernise the electoral process across JRC sites, aligning with best digital practices the European Commission inspires to and ultimately to best serve the needs of our colleagues.
SUPPORT US
We urge all colleagues to vote for Generation 2004, regardless of the voting method! Your support is vital for driving a meaningful change! Not just towards digitalisation.
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* Technically not a site, we hear you, nor can its ‘local’ staff committee really be considered at all ‘local’, when staff are in different countries. Nevertheless, you get the idea.
