*Update 19.02.2025: ‘By default, all [internal] competitions will be cross-category.’ (Stay tuned: A new approach for internal competitions) This is excellent news and should now put the Commission on an even footing with the Parliament and other EU institutions. We hope that this inclusion is genuine and that the competitions are not otherwise skewed to reduce participation.* Continue reading AST & AST-SC staff: ECA Report Highlights Long-Standing Career Challenges
Working conditions
EEAS: Improving the Promotion/reclassification System
The yearly promotion/reclassification exercise within the European External Action Service (EEAS) is a crucial moment for all staff, whether officials, or non-permanent staff as it directly impacts career development and recognition of merit. The final lists for the 2024 exercises were published 07.11.2024. However, Generation 2004 has observed persistent concerns regarding the lack of transparency, predictability, and security in the current promotion system. We have made similar obervations about the promotions/reclassifications system in the Commission[1].
Continue reading EEAS: Improving the Promotion/reclassification System
Annual salary update 2024
*Update 02.12.2024 here’s the official announcement of the 2024 annual update of remuneration and pensions
**Update 21.11.2024 check out the European Court of Auditors, 2024, Special report 24/2024: EU Civil service–A flexible employment framework, insufficiently used to improve workforce management: it concludes that Continue reading Annual salary update 2024
‘Contract agents collective’ petition: to sign or not to sign?
*Update 20.12.2024, Here’s our Note to HR on European Court of Auditors Special report.pdf.*
Original article: Many of you will have recently received a message from a ‘contract agents collective’ and lots are reaching out to us for more details on this initiative and to ask whether we recommend signing the petition. Despite some informal, last-minute communication, this petition has come a little out of the blue to us.
Continue reading ‘Contract Agents collective’ petition: to sign or not to sign?
The Never-Ending Odyssey: Navigating the My IntraComm Platform
For years, My IntraComm served as a vital tool for European Commission (EC) staff, offering easy access to essential information on work resources, promotions, career development, family allowances, personal matters, and broader staff matters such as talent management, working conditions, buildings, family, and administrative steps. Continue reading The Never-Ending Odyssey: Navigating the My IntraComm Platform
Duty Calls: Navigating the Challenges of Standby Duty at EEAS
Standby duty sounds straightforward enough — a formal, organised service, available to respond to well-defined emergencies within a specific timeframe. But for many staff, including those in the External Action Service (EEAS), the reality is far from simple. Theoretically, within the EEAS at least, those colleagues on standby duty have access to designated Duty Phones—reliable devices meant to keep them connected during emergencies.
Continue reading Duty Calls: Navigating the Challenges of Standby Duty at EEAS
Challenges of unpaid leave for contract agents
Are you a contract agent or temporary agent who needs time off and annual leave is not enough? Are you considering applying for unpaid leave? Or perhaps you have submitted a request that was denied? Based on feedback from our members, we are examining the complexities surrounding unpaid leave for personal reasons.
Continue reading Challenges of unpaid leave for Contract Agents
Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents
*Update 21.11.2024 check out the European Court of Auditors, 2024, Special report 24/2024: EU Civil service–A flexible employment framework, insufficiently used to improve workforce management: it concludes that ‘While the recruitment of temporary staff has proven an effective and flexible way to deal with the shortage of successful candidates on EPSO reserve lists, it carries some risks for business continuity and knowledge management, and as such cannot be a viable long-term solution‘ (Paragraph 100)*
Continue reading Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents
Upcoming changes to the mission guide
An update of the currently-in-force version of the work travel (‘mission’) guide (dating from 2017), has been in negotiations between the HR and the trade unions and staff associations (OSPs) since May 2023. The good news is that we are finally approaching its conclusion. At this stage we cannot present you details since they have not been adopted yet, but we can fill you in on what is coming.
‘Voluntary’ availability during end-of-year break
We are aware of colleagues being asked to ‘voluntarily’[1] declare their availability to ‘ensure business continuity’[2] during the end-of-year stop (23.12.2024-02.01.2025). Given that many staff will already have their laptop with them, whether that’s to use the 10 telework from anywhere (TWA) days, to accommodate the routine building closures at this time of year[3] or to work around cold Offices, it can seem a little predatory to then ask when (not whether) colleagues are available during these rest days for unspecified and as-yet-unmeasured tasks. As though no one would have the intention of filling that time with their own plans!
Continue reading ‘Voluntary’ availability during end-of-year break
