Generation2004 has taken a closer look at the potential to change post or DG (‘mobility’) of Contract Agents (both permanent 3A and non-permanent 3B), triggered by the feedback from our members. We are astonished how restrictive and inflexible the system continues to be. We are convinced that a lack of mobility in general hampers career growth which can lead to frustration, demotivation, burnout and contribute to long periods of medical leave. A change is needed!
Cost of living Luxembourg
Housing allowance in Luxembourg – where are we?
*Update 14.01.2025 we are awaiting imminent official communication on a housing allowance (Luxembourg media announced a housing allowance in December 2024). We expect it to fall short of its stated intention of addressing the recruitment and retention of staff in Luxembourg (‘the Luxembourg attractivity problem‘).* Continue reading Housing allowance in Luxembourg – where are we?
Two years on, what’s happening with the 12 actions for Luxembourg?
*Update 25.11.2024 we’re aware of the agreement to simplify hospital access for staff in Luxembourg. We’re waiting to see what it changes in real terms. We’ve already heard many promises of action, such as the 12 actions referenced here, and we’re not seeing any great change from it.*
*Update 14.10.2024 Luxembourg-based colleagues, the maximum reimbursement (‘ceiling’) for cross-border commuter passes has been doubled to €500 from 01.10.2024.* Continue reading Two years on, what’s happening with the 12 actions for Luxembourg?
Welcome to the Hotel Commission
*Update 23.11.2023, thanks to the colleagues who shared their ideas on this situation, we have added their observations below.*
Original article: Luxembourg is a great place to work, you just have to find somewhere to live first! In its increasingly desperate attempts to do nothing of substance (12 actions for Luxembourg, for example), while still claiming to be working on increasing the attractivity of Luxembourg as a workplace, the Commission now seems to have resorted to the roadmap set out in a classic song. Continue reading Welcome to the Hotel Commission
LACC canteen closed permanently, what’s next?
*Update 06.12.2023: here are building closures and alternatives in Brussels, but we don’t (yet) see equivalent information for other places of work e.g. Grange or Luxembourg. Remember you have the right to work from the office 100% if you so wish (and you are prepared for the temperatures there).* *Update 23.11.2023 What is a cafétéria plus?[0]* Continue reading LACC canteen closed permanently, what’s next?
Making informed decisions: Luxembourg
*Update 12.04.2024 the Commission now commits certain new Luxembourg recruits to completing a minimum stay of several years while simultaneously trying to push Luxembourg as an attractive place to work (Student Ambassadors) and without addressing any the outstanding 12 actions.*
Original article: Have you considered that your competition may include roles in Luxembourg? Continue reading Making informed decisions: Luxembourg
Follow-up survey on teleworking, hybrid working and TWA
*Update 29.01.2024: there are no geographical limitations on where to do TWA: see Article 11(1) of the WTHW Decision.* We are unable to find any geographical restrictions on travelling with EU IT equipment. We have asked DIGIT COMM for clarification.* Update 15.11.2023 HR has published an evaluation of the working time and hybrid working decision.**Update 09.08.2023 please declare the TWA days you use! See footnote [*] for how and why.* Original article: We ask you to participate in a follow-up survey about teleworking, hybrid working and teleworking from outside the place of employment (TWA) in order to make a comparison with the answers you provided to our two original surveys: Working time and teleworking (and the results) and Survey on teleworking from abroad. Continue reading Follow-up survey on teleworking, hybrid working and TWA
Meeting the Head of Cabinet: it’s all about the money
*Update 09.10.2023 please participate in the Commission survey on the environmental impact of teleworking: deadline 11.10.2023. These emmissions must also be counted in greening the Commission!* Original article: Here are the issues we raised at the OSPs meeting with David Mueller, the Head of Commissioner Hahn’s (budget and administration) Cabinet (15.03.2023). We are all aware that we are reasonably consistently in a series of difficult situations which require additional financial resources and which put the EU Budget under pressure. But we did get an earworm during that meeting: Continue reading Meeting the Head of Cabinet: it’s all about the money
Council request to further reduce spending on staff II
*Updated 07.08.2023 in response to feedback, thanks! See footnotes*
Original article: Generation 2004 is closely following this latest Council request to further reducing spending on staff (Budget 2024: Council agrees on its guidelines for the establishment of next year’s EU budget, 14.03.2023, see quote below). The Commission appears to have provisionally lost 75 posts, the only institution to have lost any posts (Draft General Budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Working Document Part II, 2022, p. 67) Continue reading Council request to further reduce spending on staff II
Minimum wage in Luxembourg for contract agents – finally a glimmer of hope
*Update 01.09.2023: the social minimum wage for Luxembourg is now 3085.11 EUR gross (or 2570.93 EUR for unskilled workers).**Update: see our June article on the good example being set by the Parliament.* Original article: Many colleagues struggle today with the high level of inflation and the increased costs of living. But already before the current economic crisis, the situation was difficult for colleagues in Luxembourg with a low salary. While money can’t buy happiness, it does certainly help: Luxembourg’s levels of happiness have also fallen. Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage in Europe, with a minimum of 2 936.48 EUR for qualified workers (as of 1 February 2023 – the corresponding inflation index has a value of 898.93 points and 100 points equal an amount of 326.66 EUR). Continue reading Minimum wage in Luxembourg for Contract Agents – finally a glimmer of hope
