Many of you, facing various issues, have contacted Generation 2004 throughout the pandemic. The vast majority of the difficulties raised relate to having difficulties to disconnect (also called Zoom fatigue) or having to be reachable all the time. Colleagues are also working additional hours, working late into the evening and during the weekends: e.g. because the workload has substantially increased in some directorates-general (those working on high-priority files, such as EU Green Deal, Recovery Resilience Facility (RRF), Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)), or because of shortages of staff (those who leave not being replaced), or even just because it is difficult to decline that meeting or to reject that call from a colleague or superior. Additionally, external media outlets have reported that some directorates-general (DGs) face extreme workload related to priority files, which puts colleagues at risk of burnout. The situation might even more aggravate when we will move to the “New normal”. Continue reading Survey on workload, digital overload and burnout
Working conditions
IT office equipment … ongoing
Unfortunately, this article needs to start with an apology: we here at Generation 2004 are deeply sorry and contrite for the unintended effects that our photography contest on the ‘Wild West of Teleworking’ seems to have had. But let us explain. Continue reading IT office equipment … ongoing
The ‘new normal’: is this it?
*Update 20.07.2021: Check out the MyIntracomm discussion below Towards more attractive and flexible working conditions: Staff working arrangements: major changes in the pipeline*
The Working time and hybrid working decision sets out the proposed ‘new normal’ with an invitation to discuss this with the trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) in a social dialogue on 30 June. Here are the current Working time and flexitime rules and their corresponding frequently asked questions (FAQs) for comparison. Continue reading The ‘new normal’: is this it?
UPDATE on teleworking in delegations – adapting work practice to a new reality
Generation 2004 wish to update you on teleworking in EU Delegations.
In January 2018, the European External Action Service (EEAS) started a teleworking pilot project in four Delegations. This was possible also thanks to the proactive role of Generation 2004 members who worked closely with the EEAS and the Commission (‘COM’) on this file. By the end of 2019, the number of Delegations covered by teleworking increased from 4 to 24 (out of 143 Delegations and offices). In the pilot phase, colleagues had the opportunity to apply for occasional teleworking, subject to the approval of their hierarchy. Some Delegations have excluded local agents (LA) assistants and secretaries which is an issue of concern to be addressed. Continue reading UPDATE on teleworking in delegations – adapting work practice to a new reality
Commission Representations conference Tuesday 22 June
We are delighted to invite you at the Generation 2004 meeting dedicated to staff in the European Commission Representations in the Member States.
The kick-off meeting will take place on Tuesday 22 of June at 12.00 CEST (Teams link) we will give you a short overview on “hot” issues and discuss with you whatever topics you consider relevant and useful. Do not hesitate to suggest any other matters by sending them to our functional mailbox as well.
Continue reading Commission Representations conference Tuesday 22 June
COVID-19: The latest on the digital certificate, vaccination and more
According to the data provided by DG HR in the latest information meeting on 11 June 2021 and on intranet updates: the EU Digital Covid Certificate will become available with legal effects in all EU Member States as of 1 July 2021, although some might start issuing it earlier: for example, Luxembourg started issuing it on 14 June, Belgium on 16 June [1] and Italy from the end of June. Some travel rules will also change as of 1 July 2021 (but no exemption from PCR tests). There’s an online information session from the medical services together with DG SANTE on Tuesday 22 June lunchtime via EULearn. Continue reading COVID-19: The latest on the digital certificate, vaccination and more
Stop the AST/SC exploitation NOW
The secretarial and clerical assistants (AST/SC) function group (FG/’GF’) was introduced by the 2013 revision of the Staff Regulations (SR) that entered into force 01.01.2014.
The established ‘dinosaurs’ trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) did not oppose the creation of the AST/SC category in 2013. Now they hypocritically claim that they care about the AST/SC staff and want to help them. What they really care about is getting the AST/SC votes in the forthcoming staff representation elections. Continue reading Stop the AST/SC exploitation NOW
Teleworking from abroad: YES, WE CAN!
Who said teleworking from outside the place of employment (TWA) [1] cannot be reconciled with the interest of the service and our duty to serve the public?
Generation 2004, the most progressive and modern staff association, is always listening to the needs of staff and negotiating the most advanced proposals for a state-of-the-art and human EU civil service with the administration. Continue reading Teleworking from abroad: YES, WE CAN!
‘Wild West of Teleworking’ Photography Contest: winners!
Thanks to all of you who submitted photos of your home-office/kitchen-table/cupboard-under-the-stairs/garden IT setup and your increased bills and accommodation costs. We always appreciate your interaction and comments and you can still send us your teleworking photos and evidence of costs incurred: let us know where and how you are working! Continue reading ‘Wild West of Teleworking’ Photography Contest: winners!
Get ready: the return to the office is starting in June
At last, on Wednesday evening (19.05.2021) HR announced a date for the start of operation ‘return to the office’: from Wednesday 9 June onwards the Commission anticipates moving from phase 0 to phase 1. In practice, this means that while teleworking will remain the norm, staff will be encouraged to go to the office, still on a voluntary basis. The maximum presence in the buildings – to be complied with at all time – will be raised to 20%. The canteen in the Berlaymont building will be reopened. Continue reading Get ready: the return to the office is starting in June