FAQs

Interim staff at the Commission: FAQs

Here are some Generation 2004 frequently asked questions (FAQs)[1] and sources on interims, those temporary colleagues who are often expected to be up to speed and functional within a very short space of time. This can often translate in real life as having been ‘thrown in at the deep end’ and expected to ‘hit the ground running’ without much information about how things really work. Continue reading Interim staff at the Commission: FAQs

The institutions implement the Picard judgement – sort of … FAQ

*Update 06.09.2023 Check out this (Brussels) event for anyone who has made pension contributions in Germany.* Original article: In April, we informed you during a lunchtime conference about the judgement in the Picard case and its far-reaching consequences for (former) contract agents (CAs) and temporary agents (TAs) or more precisely: staff that were previously covered by the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (CEOS).

While the judgement is one of (very few) positive events in recent years for temporary staff, Continue reading The institutions implement the Picard judgement – sort of … FAQ

What is the Common Front/Front Commun?

This is the name given to the majority of trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) together when we work on common action (‘Front Commun’). What is the Alliance, what is USF? OSP groupings are explained here. Note that we are listed in order of representativeness (or overall share of the vote across all elections): 37%, 33%, 16% and 15%. Continue reading What is the Common Front/Front Commun?

Invited to a medical ‘control’ during sick leave? Here’s what you need to know (FAQ)

*Update 27.09.2022 several of you got in touch with us to add information to this article and we thank you all for your contributions, we have added them to the relevant sections below. Please feel free to continue to send us your experiences, we will add them here anonymously.* At Generation 2004, we understand just how unnerving it can be to find yourself the recipient of a  formal Medical Service invitation and confidentiality statement, particularly if the date  stated there has already passed or the location given is incompatible with your current mobility. What to do?

Stay calm, remember that these checks are routine and read our FAQ below. Continue reading Invited to a medical ‘control’ during sick leave? Here’s what you need to know (FAQ)

ABC of staff representation at the Commission

An informal and unofficial alphabetical guide to the staff representation and social dialogue at the Commission

This guide is for everyone: it is necessary for each of us to know who represents us and how. If we are unaware of our rights, it is impossible for us to exercise them: the staff representation is here for us all, participate! Continue reading ABC of staff representation at the Commission

Assistants (ASTs) FAQs

*Update 02.10.2023: the deadline for applications for the 2023/2024 Certification exercise is Friday 6 October 2023 at 23:59 (Brussels time). Note that there are still 50 places on the programme this time round (as per question 23 below, this is expected to fall to 45 in the future).* Original article: Here is the presentation from the October 2022 meeting with assistants (ASTs)  and below you’ll find an extended version of a frequently asked questions (FAQs) based on the questions asked.

If there’s something here you can add to, you’d like more information on or that you’d like to challenge (we’re open to all input!) then please get in touch: we’re here for you !  Thanks very much to all who attended! Continue reading Assistants (ASTs) FAQs

The ‘new normal’: is this it? FAQs 28.10.2021

*Update 13.03.2023 here are the results of our June 2022 survey!*

*This FAQ replaces the 11.10.2021 version*

28.10.2021 we had one more social dialogue meeting on the latest working time and hybrid working rules. HR stated that this is the last meeting on this topic. As before, there are many questions still outstanding on how this ‘new normal’ Continue reading The ‘new normal’: is this it? FAQs 28.10.2021

The ‘new normal’: is this it? FAQs 11.10.2021

*This FAQs is superseded by 28.10.2021 version*

We had the second of a proposed two social dialogue meetings on the implementation of working time and hybrid working yesterday (Monday 11.10.2021). HR agreed to a third meeting: there are many questions still outstanding Continue reading The ‘new normal’: is this it? FAQs 11.10.2021

Sign our petition to stop the obligatory return to the office (and FAQs)

*update 27.10.2021 the Belgian national authorities: from Friday 29.10.2021: ‘Teleworking is strongly recommended for all staff members of companies, associations and service providers, unless this is not possible due to the nature of the business or service.’

We at Generation 2004 believe that it is premature to push on with Phase 3 of the Tentative plan for gradual return to the office before the worries and issues voiced by staff are addressed. While we fully understand and support the need for many to go back to the office, we request that this be made voluntary and that the Commission postpone the obligation to return.

Continue reading Sign our petition to stop the obligatory return to the office (and FAQs)