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 [1] 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!
In 2023 we have been engaging with you in our several petitions ongoing [2]; sending some 50 notes to highlight issues on your behalf; organising and running multiple training events [3], info sessions, lunch events and coaching; publishing over 100 articles on our website [4] and sending 13 newsletters [5], in addition to the many, many individual staff cases we have dealt with. We also prepared for and participated in dozens of social dialogues [6] and info meetings (e.g. on harassment, hybrid working and working time and the new HR strategy) more than 100 meetings in over 30 joint committees, dozens of staff committee board (‘bureau’) meetings and Staff Committee plenary sessions.
We remain vigilant to ensure that short-term difficulties are not used as opportunities to further erode the rights and morale of EU staff. The gulf that currently exists between the pre and post 2004 [7]/2014 [8] staff must not be repeated and enlarged in the future, this time widening the gap between those fortunate enough to be officials and those on fixed-term contracts.
We’re the youngest and biggest in the Commission as a whole [9]. We are doing all that we can as best we can and we thank you for your input, your unwavering support and your enthusiasm: we couldn’t do it without you!
Thomas Weber
Chair of Generation 2004