*Update 18.11.2021: this includes Contract Agents and this will be paid in December, thanks to everyone who got in touch!*
*Updates 19.11.2021: “Back to normal” in this case has to be interpreted as “the GDP is back to the pre-crisis level”. We have recovered some of the loss of 2020, but not all of it. We expect that we should go back to pre-crisis levels in 2022, at which point we should get the 2.5% update on top of whatever happens in 2022. [1]*
Almost 18 years after the drastic 2004 Kinnock reform – further intensified by the 2014 reform – the division of staff and the inequalities created have not yet been addressed. While the measures reduced the pre-2004 benefits and pensions, they had an extremely detrimental effect on the careers and benefits of the post-2004 colleagues. Continue reading Let’s undo the damage: vote!
Want to start imagining and planning your transition towards retirement – but not sure how to do it? This is no longer a destination, but a journey.
Project 55+ is a practical 5-week community experience that will help you create, discover, refine and implement your transition project, during your final years at the Commission/EU Institutions, towards a successful new beginning that is uniquely yours. Continue reading Project 55+ transition towards retirement
*Update 13.03.2023 here are the results of our June 2022 survey!*
*This FAQ replaces the 11.10.2021 version*
28.10.2021 we had one more social dialogue meeting on the latest working time and hybrid working rules. HR stated that this is the last meeting on this topic. As before, there are many questions still outstanding on how this ‘new normal’ Continue reading The ‘new normal’: is this it? FAQs 28.10.2021
Many of you wonder, since there is no legal basis for teleworking in Delegations, what will happen when the pandemic is over?
Will we still have Teleworking in Delegations?
Will we finally follow the rest of the Commission: teleworking has already been in force in Headquarters and other EU sites for more than 10 years! Continue reading How should Teleworking evolve in Delegations after Covid?
The mediation service has published its 2020 annual report showing that the number of cases reported is much lower compared to previous year(s). One cannot help but wonder: is that because harassment/bad managerial behaviour really improved, is it because colleagues are fed up with the ineffectiveness of the available harassment fighting procedures, or is it simply a partial story: it does not show how many cases never started because the other side refused to engage. (Yes, mediation is voluntary and the mediation service can do nothing when only one side is willing.) Continue reading Do you think harassment or bad managerial behaviour improved in 2020?
Stories on the ground
Story 1 LA Function Group IV recruited as section secretary. Later on the job task of the DMO (document managing officer) is added to the job description and this has been the situation for more than 2 years. Management refused to discuss changing the post to Group III. Continue reading Correction of function group for Local Agents in Delegations – We need an action plan!
*Update 24.11.2023: Can any of you send us a photo of the new flexible-working ‘toolkit‘ inside a locker?[*]*
*Update 22.02.2022: we’re hearing that colleagues are changing DG in order to avoid open space/hot-desking. Is this you? Get in touch, we’d like to hear from you!*
Original article: No assigned desk and a cold pasta Bolognese from the vending machine: is this the future of the European civil service? If you want a glimpse of the latest building being showcased as the future the administration is designing for the EU civil service, come with us and visit ‘The ONE’, aka L107. This, the future workplace of some 1700 Commission staff from next year, comes not long after the dynamic open spaces set up in DG BUDG, DG TRADE, and is soon to be followed by the new Publications Office (OP) (POST-Mercier) and the Jean Monnet 2 (JMO2). Continue reading The ONE: is this the future of the European civil service?
*This FAQs is superseded by 28.10.2021 version*
We had the second of a proposed two social dialogue meetings on the implementation of working time and hybrid working yesterday (Monday 11.10.2021). HR agreed to a third meeting: there are many questions still outstanding Continue reading The ‘new normal’: is this it? FAQs 11.10.2021
Generation 2004 has been fighting hard for the effective implementation of the right of staff to have full and timely access to their medical file.
Access to your own medical file and the right to update the information contained there are very important, particularly in circumstances where that information is used to make a decision about you e.g. whether you are fit enough to continue to work or even just to be recruited. A lack of transparency leads to questions about fairness and motives [1]. Of course, occasionally there may be legitimate reasons for insisting that a doctor access parts of the file on your behalf. However, we all still have the right to consult (via a healthcare professional, if necessary) the information in our medical history and to correct it or add a note where necessary. Continue reading Generation 2004 member wins a case on access to their medical file!
