You will remember that on 06 May we had amicably “challenged” all other unions and staff organisations (OSPs) to a “serious debate leading to concrete, common proposals which address the post-2004 problem” (see also here [2]).
Along this line, you will also remember that in our May newsletter, [3] we announced a conference for 20 June 2014, intended to tackle the post-2004 problem and which would ideally bring together all unions and OSPs together with YOU – the staff.
Rightly so, many of you have written to us, wondering what has become of this conference.
Well, at this point in time we are pleased to inform you that following our calls mentioned above, we have had a positive and promising response from all unions and OSPs, some with more enthusiasm than others.
Indeed, whilst acknowledging that it is high time for a solution to be found, all unions and OSPs have insisted that such a post-conference should not be a unilateral Generation 2004 initiative but a joint effort between all unions and OSPs; possibly even across the different institutions.
In light of this, Generation 2004 has agreed to cancel its “post-2004 conference” (initially set for 20 June) which conference will instead be now jointly organised by all unions and OSPs – including of course Generation 2004 – during the second half of October (more details to follow).
Meetings are being held on a weekly basis between all unions and OSPs in order to prepare for this important conference which should ideally result in the finalisation of concrete and realistic proposals in favour of post-2004 staff which will then be jointly presented to the new Commission upon formally taking office.
Generation 2004 notes with satisfaction the positive reaction of all unions and their apparent disposition to finally, tackle seriously the post-2004 issue which has created a sharp division between staff over an entire decade.
Generation 2004 holds faith in the good sense of all stakeholders involved to come together in finding a fair solution and in the name of all the affected staff, calls upon all union colleagues to substantiate their expressions and repeated declarations of goodwill with hard facts and ideas. Coupled with the anticipation of a Commission, which if not better could not be much worse than the outgoing one, NOW is a unique window of opportunity which none of us who want a strong and united EU civil service can afford to miss.
We will of course be keeping you informed every step of the way over the coming weeks and months.