Newsletter – 2021-02-03

Newsletter editorial – 3-2-2021

Welcome to the first Generation 2004 Newsletter of 2021. And to week 47 of telework for most of us.

Since our last instalment we’ve given over 200 colleagues one-to-one assistance with their self-assessment for the annual career development review (CDR) and provided presentations on the CDR, promotions and AST careers/certification: we’ve made the recordings and PowerPoints available on our website.

We look now at the certification process and why it’s becoming more and more difficult to make the leap from AST to AD. We also update you on the outcome of our special-leave-for-parents-of-young-children petition. We provide details of the latest information exchange with DG Trade on their shift to open plan and now our work with the Committee for prevention and protection at work (CPPT) shows in its agreement that staff be consulted before any reorganisation of office space. We provide the latest news from the Central Staff Committee and share the JSIS updates on reimbursement for psychological support and COVID-19 vaccination.

Generation 2004 is hiring a part-time secretary (50%) for its headquarters in Brussels (depending on future availability this might become 100%). If you are a Contract Agent FGII you can join the team.

One last-minute mention: the proposed CHAFEA accompanying committee will happen and there is now a January 2021 edition of CHAFEA’s frequently asked questions (49 pages long!).

Take care and enjoy reading!

Certified ASTs: an endangered species?

*20.10.2022–14.12.2022: Evaluation and pre-selection of eligible applications by the DGs/Services for 2022/23 exercise*

Belated congratulations to our 42 colleagues declared certifié in December 2020 *and 44 from 2021* they now finally begin the very last stage in this long and arduous quest, that of finding an AD post, well done and good luck in your search! Continue reading Certified ASTs: an endangered species?

Central Staff Committee voted to continue Business as Usual

The Renouveau & Démocratie (R&D)-controlled majority in the Central Staff Committee (CSC) has rejected proposals from Generation 2004 to make the work of the Central Staff Committee more efficient, transparent and inclusive.

Under the guise of business continuity, it voted for the status quo, and to address none of the pressing problems that have hampered the work of the CSC for years. Continue reading Central Staff Committee voted to continue Business as Usual

Psychological support changes *obsolete*

*Update 01.01.2023 this information is now obsolete: ‘the exceptional and temporary measures for the reimbursement of psychotherapy sessions in the context of Covid 19 – first 5 session of psychological support without medical authorization – are no longer applicable. From this date, the usual rules apply [1]*

Further to our October 2020 article: Avoiding surprises with JSIS when choosing a psychotherapist please note that the JSIS updated its rules in January 2021: Continue reading Psychological support changes *obsolete*

CPPT: keeping up the good work to safeguard the health and safety of staff

The Committee for prevention and protection at work (CPPT) recently agreed on the need to request more detailed information – including technical data and the proof that staff have been consulted and agreed with the project – before giving an opinion on two requests to transform office space into an open-plan environment. Continue reading CPPT: keeping up the good work to safeguard the health and safety of staff

Office-space reorganisation in DG Trade: the latest

In an article published on 18 December 2020, we informed you about the reply to Generation 2004’s November note to Ms Weyand, Director-General of DG Trade, requesting clarification on their plans for an office-space reorganisation.

We welcomed this reply, however at Generation 2004 we are aware that the devil is often in the detail,  Continue reading Office-space reorganisation in DG Trade: the latest

Good news: 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 vaccination costs

The central bureau of the Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme (JSIS) recently agreed that the health insurance provide 100% reimbursement of costs for COVID-19 vaccination in 2021.

This measure covers staff in activity, retired staff, and persons entitled to primary or complementary cover. It applies only where the person cannot receive the vaccination free of charge within the framework of an occupational health campaign or a vaccination campaign organised by national authorities. Continue reading Good news: 100% reimbursement of COVID-19 vaccination costs

Update to special-leave-for-parents petition

Further to our June 2020 article From the special-leave-for-parents petition to the social dialogue meeting and the closure of the corresponding petition for special leave for parents of young children in August 2020 with 2121 signatures, we continue to do what we can to ensure that your voice is heard and that parents of young children are not simply left to get on with it.  Continue reading Update to special-leave-for-parents petition