As winter descended, so does the new norm for EU staff: embracing the glacial reality of a target of 19°C in Brussels workspaces (a balmy 20°C in Luxembourg), leaving many buildings well below those targets. HR sources cite national law of host Member State of EU institutions for this limit, suggesting that they would lower the temperatures further if the law allowed it. For those of you not in the loop, this provision ensures that public buildings toe the line in terms of energy-use reductions (‘efficiency’). But while the thermostat complies, it’s the staff who shiver. Jackets, scarves, and an abundance of hot tea have become unofficial office attire and tools of survival. Continue reading The Frosty Chronicles: Navigating the EU Institution’s Subzero Realities
z Newsletter article
10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents
Generation 2004 has been at the forefront of advocating for Contract Agents, consistently pushing for fairer employment conditions, better career prospects, and greater recognition of their contributions. Over the years, we have actively engaged with the administration, raising awareness of the systemic challenges contract agents face: barriers to career advancement, limited access to internal competitions, unfair contractual terms, and restricted mobility within the institution. Continue reading 10 Postulates for fairness – A better future for Contract Agents
Good news for Contract and Temporary Agents !
As Generation 2004 suggested Contract and Temporary agents will get a positive surprise in their February salary slip. Their unemployment contribution rate will drop down from 0.81% to 0.51%. This applies to EU institutions and bodies. This is not the result of some mysterious superpower of Generation 2004. Continue reading Good news for Contract and Temporary Agents !
Special leave for parents’ representatives in European Schools
Parents’ representatives devote a considerable amount of time for the benefit of the European Schools in general and our children in particular, covering aspects that do not require continuous intervention of parents in national schools (e.g. transport, canteen, representation in the Education Council and in the coordination bodies…). Continue reading Special leave for parents’ representatives in European Schools
Brussels European Schools: locally recruited teachers on strike
Generation 2004 has sadly learned that locally recruited teachers plan a series of partial strikes at several dates in February, including a march to the Office of the Secretary General. If their demands are not met they plan an all day strike on 1st April. While we realise the negative impact to parents and children of this action, we can only sympathize with these teachers, who find themselves in a legal void making their jobs and lives a constant struggle. Continue reading Brussels European Schools: locally recruited teachers on strike
Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce?
The Backbone of European Schools—Without the Rights. Locally Recruited Teachers (LRTs) play a vital role in the European Schools, ensuring high-quality education for thousands of children. Yet, despite their significant contributions, they face unstable working conditions, unfair contract terms, and a lack of representation – challenges that have been ignored for far too long. Continue reading Locally Recruited Teachers in European Schools: A Forgotten Workforce?
Brave new world at the Commission: the day the staff representation was abolished
I wake up and it is just another ordinary day. I prepare breakfast and get my child ready. Then head to the crèche before going to the office. But to my great surprise, the crèche is closed. Nobody seems to be around. When I finally spot someone I know, I ask what is going on. Maybe a strike? “Not really. Weren’t you informed? Continue reading Brave new world at the Commission: the day the staff representation was abolished
Newsletter editorial – 28-01-2025
First of all, Generation 2004 wishes you a great year in 2025 and will continue to fight to make your voices heard. Welcome to the first edition of the Newsletter for 2025. In this edition, we cover various topics that affect your daily life and career. We start by exploring the blurred lines between personal and professional life, particularly when it comes to mobile phones (check the recording of our online conference). We discuss how the burden of cost-saving measures is increasingly being shifted onto staff. Moreover, navigating the complexities of work-life balance is crucial, as highlighted in our coverage of the JSIS. Speaking of career advancement, we provide tips on how to increase your chances of getting a promotion or reclassification in 2025. For those of you keen to plan the year ahead, check the article on flexibility days 2025. Meanwhile, significant changes are underway in European Schools. Furthermore, the EEAS emphasises the need for clear responsibilities and support for Heads of Delegations, sheds light on the issue of cold temperatures in EEAS Offices and informs you on the performance appraisals exercise for 2025. Finally, we remind you about the certification deadlines, invite you to sign the petition on the restructuring of Delegations and discuss the alarming reality of working for free. Last but not least, check our training offer with our partner Yasemos Europeos, on the EPSO competition for AD5 – Translators.
That’s all for now!
Enjoy the reading and get in touch if you believe we can help!
Where Has All the Money Gone?
As Generation 2004, we have always stood for fairness, transparency, and the well-being of staff. Today, we must address the grim reality of the European Commission’s cost-saving measures and the devastating impact they have had on staff members and the workplace environment. Billions have been saved, but at what cost?
Training offer : EPSO competitions AD5 Translators (8 languages)
***Update 20.03.2025: Exam took place, offer CLOSED **Update 04.02.2025 AD5 TRANSLATORS: Language knowledge + Language comprehension + Translation + Review TESTS (work group in EN) – FULL GROUP – Registration closed *Update 30/01/2025: as EPSO exam dates for these competitions are earlier that expected, the following has been updated: YSE – AD5 TRANSLATORS (work group in EN): Dates UPDATED: Jan 31, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 17, Feb 22 (9:30 CET), Mar 7 – 18:30 CET. Pre-exam session -I (1h): February 22 – 9:30 (CET, Madrid, Bruselas) (Saturday morning). CLOSED / FULL group: YSE – AD5 TRADUCTORES (grupo de trabajo en ES): Dates UPDATED: Jan 27, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 17, Feb 22 (10:30 CET), Mar 7 – 19:30 CET. Continue reading Training offer : EPSO competitions AD5 Translators (8 languages)
