Newsletter – 2023-09-08

Newsletter editorial – 08-09-2023

Editorial, Newsletter - 2023-09-08 Print This Post

Welcome to the ninth edition of the Generation 2004 newsletter of 2023. Please participate in our Follow-up survey on teleworking, hybrid working and teleworking from anywhere (TWA): we would like to make a comparison with the answers you provided to our two original surveys. At the moment we’re busy with the Preparatory groups for the Joint Promotion Committees (JPCs) 11-13 September: this is the last stage of the promotions/reclassifications process before the publication of the final lists in mid-late November. We have still managed to make the time to address your concerns on the solidarity levy and to present an overview of the situation in Luxembourg, given the  most recent update to the minimum wage (01.09.2023). We have also finally(!) gathered all the questions you have raised relating to our interim colleagues together in a frequently asked questions (FAQs). Generation 2004 is also concerned at the treatment of our local agent colleagues in Sudan, the short-notice permanent closure of childcare facilities at Grange and the permanent closure of the LACC canteen. We offer training with Ya Semos Europeos for the forthcoming MCQ and CBT tests for the AD6 and AD7 competitions.

So, that’s it for this this edition, thanks to all of you for your support, ideas and feedback: please keep it coming!

Take care and enjoy reading!

New webinars on MCQ and CBT

Events, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, Training Print This Post

*Update 08.09.2023 EPSO intends to use automated proctoring we are concerned at the prospect of retrospective elimination.* Original article: To assist you in preparing for ongoing and future competitions, Generation 2004, in collaboration with Ya Semos Europeos, is offering free online webinars on multiple choice questions (MCQ) and computer-based tests (CBT).

These webinars will provide you with valuable tips and tricks for both types of assessments.

Please note that all seminars will be conducted in English. Continue reading New webinars on MCQ and CBT →

End of the solidarity levy?

New HR strategy, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, Social Dialogue, solidarity levy, Working conditions Print This Post

Every once in a while, and with increasing frequency in the run-up to its stated end date, we here at Generation 2004 receive a request for clarification about the solidarity levy. This ostensibly temporary measure is 6% of the basic salary (but 7% for those in AD15(2) and above: here are the salary scales for your to check that impact).  

Continue reading End of the solidarity levy? →

Walking away when things go wrong? Sudan

Local Agents, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, Outside the Union Print This Post

*Update 17.04.2024 Disappointingly, we have not yet received a response to our August 2023 note. We are following up with those responsible.*

Original article: The situation in Sudan is undoubtedly difficult, with the ongoing conflict affecting the lives and well-being of the population. Our local agent (LA) colleagues in the delegation there are Continue reading Walking away when things go wrong? Sudan →

Grange childcare: loss of trust!

additional teleworking costs, Brussels, building closures, Childcare, Commission services, Local Staff Committee, New HR strategy, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, OIB, Social Dialogue, Working conditions Print This Post

The European Commission has many sites, some bigger ones, like Brussels, Luxembourg and Ispra, some smaller ones like the smaller JRC sites (Karlsruhe, Geel, Seville) or the satellite site in Grange, Ireland (technically part of Brussels) – home to directorate F (‘Health and food audits and analysis’) of DG SANTE and some colleagues from DGT – not to forget the support staff from the different Offices. Continue reading Grange childcare: loss of trust! →

LACC canteen closed permanently, what’s next?

additional teleworking costs, building closures, Cost of living Luxembourg, IT kit for telework, New HR strategy, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, Open Plan Office, Working conditions Print This Post

*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? →

Interim staff at the Commission: FAQs

FAQs, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, place of origin, Staff Categories, Training, Working conditions Print This Post

*Update 04.06.2025, we love the recent linkedin video posted by a former Blue Book trainee on the intérimaire experience.*

Original article: 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 being ‘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 →

Making informed decisions: Luxembourg

Assistants, Contract Agents, Cost of living Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Newsletter - 2023-09-08, Secretaries and clerks, Temporary Agents Print This Post

*Update 24.10.2025, while the compliance with the national minimum wage has improved, EU institutions are still doing it differently meaning that those in the Commission might still get less than their counterparts elsewhere. We’d like to see the rules to converge where these, some of the lowest-paid staff, get the most.*

Original article: Have you considered that your competition may include roles in Luxembourg? Continue reading Making informed decisions: Luxembourg →