Is e-voting the right tool for the JRC?

Brussels, Elections, Electoral reform, Geel, Ispra-Seville, Karlsruhe, Local Staff Committee, Luxembourg, Newsletter - 2023-12-01, Outside the Union, Petten Print This Post

*Update 23.07.2024 HR says its not feasible to have e-voting at Geel and Karlsruhe, once more money is cited as a factor, are we surprised?*

Original article: Digitalisation is everywhere: we pay electronically, we get our news and movies digitally and we even meet online. While some types of human interaction would, ideally, never be replaced, many routine administrative activities can certainly benefit from going digital. Nevertheless, it’s important to include those who will use new systems and procedures in the decision-making process: while we might save on queuing with e-Voting, are we maybe missing out somewhere else? Continue reading Is e-voting the right tool for the JRC? →

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy start to 2024!

Newsletter - 2023-12-13 Print This Post

We wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!  Please use this time to disconnect from work, to rest and to spend your energy on what is important to you. Here’s our end-of-year checklist to help you to use what you’re entitled to. In 2024 we will continue to raise your issues and fight on your side, we are always here for you! Continue reading We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy start to 2024! →

Gaza-Israel war: volunteering/donating

crisis-response action, News + Press, Outside the Union Print This Post

*Update 20.11.2024, thanks to the colleague who brought the EUstaff4peace letter to our attention, here is their  their letter of gratitude to HR/VP Josep Borrell. Their next vigil in Brussels takes place 28.11.2024* *Update 17.04.2024 We asked for the exceptional 5 days available for Ukraine-related volunteering be made available for those volunteering to help civilians caught up in wars elsewhere.*

Original article: Several colleagues asked what they can do to help. That is why we have tried to put together a starting list. There are limited volunteering initiatives Continue reading Gaza-Israel war: volunteering/donating →

Reimbursed amount = 0 €

Complementary coverage, Health, Newsletter - 2024-01-08, PMO Print This Post

*Update 03.03.2024: the contact number listed on p.2 of the account sheet is out of date, please use number listed here.*

Original article: This can and does happen relatively frequently. First of all, don’t panic! But please do be aware that there is a 3-month time limit[1] on taking a non-reimbursement issue as far as you can before embarking on legal action. Challenging a decision not to reimburse is therefore not an administrative step to save for when you have the time, you really do have to make the time (especially if you need to get a more detailed bill from the health-service provider, for example or investigate whether a precedent has been set for reimbursement). Continue reading Reimbursed amount = 0 € →

Cancer detection: no longer a priority?

Health, Newsletter - 2023-12-01 Print This Post

*Update 17.09.2024 check out the pros and cons of screening: this is the reasoning given behind the decisions below. We also invite you to check the uneven/inequal cancer outcomes observed in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.*

Original article: Generation 2004 has heard from several of you concerning your difficulties in navigating the new systems to have screening tests reimbursed at 100%, now that the medical service is no longer providing the so-called ‘bon rose’. That way of authorising specific tests outside the Medical Service was withdrawn in February 2023[1]. Continue reading Cancer detection: no longer a priority? →

End-of-year checklist 2023

building closures, COVID-19, Health, IT kit for telework, Leave, Newsletter - 2023-12-01, Newsletter - 2023-12-13, PMO, Teleworking, Working conditions Print This Post

In response to your feedback from last year, we send this list out a bit earlier in order to give you time to take action. We encourage you to do what you can now in order to be able to use the end-of-year period to rest and to recharge your batteries. This is not an opportunity to get work done!  Please, as far as you can, switch off your devices, mute notifications and disconnect: take the time for you. Continue reading End-of-year checklist 2023 →

2024 appraisal and promotion/reclassification exercises conference

Events, Newsletter - 2023-12-01, Newsletter - 2023-12-13, Newsletter - 2024-01-08, Promotions, reclassification Print This Post

We publish this early enough for you to make a start on listing your achievements, training and highlights throughout 2023 to avoid you having to hit the ground running in January. This conference explains the evaluation process and offers tips. Join us Tuesday, 9 January 2024, 12:00-13:30. We cover how to prepare your self-assessment and your one-on-one interview with your line manager (‘reporting officer’) [1] this is applicable both to the promotion (officials) and reclassification (Contract Agents, except 3b)[2]. Continue reading 2024 appraisal and promotion/reclassification exercises conference →

Eismea: when better becomes worse

additional teleworking costs, Agencies, New HR strategy, Newsletter - 2023-12-01, Open Plan Office, Working conditions Print This Post

The situation at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (Eismea)[1] is no bedtime story – staff reductions, reorganisation, unfinished Offices, a car park which is unsafe for bikes[2], and where most of the parking spots remain occupied with bulky office furniture, platoons of builders roaming the building without displaying identification: a fundamental requirement under the current alert level to which all Commission buildings are subject. Continue reading Eismea: when better becomes worse →

When “EPSOnic” hits the iceberg

Data Protection, EPSO, Events, Newsletter - 2023-11-14 Print This Post

*Update 12.04.2024: On the processing of personal data: the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) European Commission’s use of Microsoft 365 infringes data protection law for EU institutions and bodies.* *Update 21.02.2024, Politico picked up this story.*

Original article: Generation 2004 held a conference on Internal and external competitions: what (legal) action to take? on the 15th of November. Continue reading When “EPSOnic” hits the iceberg →

Flash report on the Local Agents’ Provident Fund

EEAS, Local Agents, Newsletter - 2023-11-14, Pensions, Representations, Working conditions Print This Post

The pension benefits system for local staff in Delegations (Provident Fund for Local Agents (‘PFLA‘)) has lost over 5% of its value. This means that the amount of money local agents (LA) receive at the end of their career (through employer and employee contributions) is falling. Continue reading Flash report on the Local Agents’ Provident Fund →