‘Contract agents collective’ petition: to sign or not to sign?  

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*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. 

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The Never-Ending Odyssey: Navigating the My IntraComm Platform

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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

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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.

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Geel LSC Elections 2024: Thank You for Your Trust and Support!

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Generation 2004 is deeply grateful to all our supporters in Geel. We are honored to have received 36% of the votes in the recent local staff committee (LSC) elections, an increase from the 34% in 2021. This growth in support shows that our priorities resonate with many of you, and we are committed to working even harder for positive change.

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ASTs: exploited and forgotten or given a future? 

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*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. Participation in these competitions can be done in parallel to the certification: use all your options!* Continue reading ASTs: exploited and forgotten or given a future?  →

Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff

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*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 Time to put an end to the career blockage of AST/SC staff →

From Paper to Digital: A voting practice update is necessary

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The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is one of the largest directorates-general (DGs) in the Commission.  With its scientific profile it takes pride in its innovative and modern endeavours. JRC practices the remote way of working, in line with the Commission guidelines, but also benefits from it to foster cooperation among its multisite structure of 6 locations across Europe.

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Challenges of unpaid leave for contract agents 

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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. 

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Longer and sustainable careers for contracts agents 

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*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)*

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Upcoming changes to the mission guide 

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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. 

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