*Update 23.11.2023 What is a cafétéria plus?[0]* Original article: Generation 2004 is aware of the difficulties the pandemic has imposed on the canteen staff and facilities and appreciates the contrast in simultaneously welcoming the gradual re-opening of canteens and cafeterias in Brussels while canteens in Luxembourg begin to require a Covid certificate (for sit-in, not for take away [1][2], from 1 November). Continue reading Position paper on canteens, cafeterias and water
Health
Kraamzorg (postnatal maternity care) and the JSIS
We are pleased to hear that the Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS) has rectified its recent mistake relating to the Netherlands standard-postnatal-maternity-care-package (Kraamzorg) costs. This is indeed a reimbursable cost and the corresponding MyIntracomm site has been updated. This unexpected (and erroneous) change Continue reading Kraamzorg (postnatal maternity care) and the JSIS
100% reimbursement of the laboratory tests of the annual medical visit
*Update 16.01.2023 Luxembourg: if the laboratory tests are done via your GP you will be reimbursed at only 85%. If they are prescribed by the Luxembourg medical service they are reimbursed at 100%.* Original article: Generation 2004 is very happy to inform you of the positive outcome of an Article 90(2) complaint against the Office for the Administration and Payment of Individual Entitlements (PMO), confirming that staff are indeed entitled to 100% reimbursement of the laboratory test costs as part of the annual medical visit. As per our June article, we failed to understand why the annual medical visit Continue reading 100% reimbursement of the laboratory tests of the annual medical visit
An appeal from a Karlsruhe-based coffee addict
I started here at the JRC Karlsruhe not so long ago. The second lockdown was in sight, not optimal for a change of country and work environment. I am from a coffee-loving place, born and raised with a coffee culture, and my first sight on entering the JRC in Karlsruhe was the prominent placing of the Cafeteria with a professional espresso machine – what a nice working place! Continue reading An appeal from a Karlsruhe-based coffee addict
Generation 2004 member wins a case on access to their medical file!
Generation 2004 has been fighting hard for the effective implementation of the right of staff to have full and timely access to their medical file.
Access to your own medical file and the right to update the information contained there are very important, particularly in circumstances where that information is used to make a decision about you e.g. whether you are fit enough to continue to work or even just to be recruited. A lack of transparency leads to questions about fairness and motives [1]. Of course, occasionally there may be legitimate reasons for insisting that a doctor access parts of the file on your behalf. However, we all still have the right to consult (via a healthcare professional, if necessary) the information in our medical history and to correct it or add a note where necessary. Continue reading Generation 2004 member wins a case on access to their medical file!
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)
Hybrid teleworking in delegation – how is it implemented?
Generation 2004 has taken the initiative to survey around 40 delegations and the feedback shows that nearly 25% of respondents have either no, or close to no, possibility of teleworking. While teleworking has been an effective mode of work since 2009 [1] for Brussels and other EU workplaces, there is still, as of today (12 years later!) not even a draft decision for teleworking for delegations. Continue reading Hybrid teleworking in delegation – how is it implemented?
Digital overload, burnout and back to the office
*Update 04.01.2024 Even in 2016 smartphones were seen to add 11 hours of work to the average week.* Original article: We invite you to participate in our survey on workload, digital overload and burnout. The Working time and hybrid working decision (issued July 2021) setting out the proposed ‘new normal’ with its ‘disconnection bandwidth’ is still under discussion (follow-up meeting with HR 8 September) and we’d like to have your most recent, post-summertime input, especially in light of the move to Phase 3 of the return to the office strategy announced for Monday 20 September for all Commission sites [1]. Continue reading Digital overload, burnout and back to the office
Empty promises? Medical staff already forgotten?
As Generation 2004 we would like to express our enormous gratitude to the medical staff as whole: you have worked extremely hard, under huge pressure, put in long working hours and showed great dedication throughout this pandemic. We make a special mention also of those in Brussels charged with the additional responsibility of vaccinating [1] Brussels-based and visiting staff Continue reading Empty promises? Medical staff already forgotten?
Your medical file and your rights
Several of you got in touch with Generation 2004, concerned about difficulties in accessing your own medical files. You have the right to verify, modify or delete your administrative data, all you have to do is ‘apply to the Head of the Medical Service … The results of medical examinations and the diagnosis cannot be altered, but you may add your own comments.’ (Point 5, Information note on data protection, 2017). Continue reading Your medical file and your rights
