Renouveau et Democratie

Member’s General Meeting on 2nd of March

lescutr — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:17:12 +0000

Dear member,

This year will be a very difficult one (the Council is demanding the dismantling of the European Civil Service, similar to what is happening in almost all Member States; the Commission is quite weak, and the staff relatively).

The deadlines are approaching: negotiations with the Council and the European Parliament on the changes to the Staff Regulations, and the elections to the Local Staff Committee.

In accordance with the mandate given by the General Meeting of 10 October 2011, we have worked to establish a United Front to negotiate, initially with the Commission, and afterwards with the Council and the European Parliament. The United Front is now a reality and exists in all Institutions. It is something we should be proud of!

In the same way, to reduce the fragmentation of staff representation, we implemented the other aspect of the mandate from the same General Meeting, with the object of presenting common lists for the elections to the Personnel Committees.

We presented the NEAR list (R&D-U4U-USHU-Conf-SFE) in the EEAS (the European External Action Service) and it carried the majority of elected members. We are envisaging the same approach for the elections for the Staff Committee outside the Union (Commission) and will be presenting a fuller common list for the elections at Ispra.

For the elections in Brussels, we are continuing discussions with our partners, but time is running out. The elections will probably take place this June.

We need urgently to renew our Executive Committee.

After the cancellation of the elections in June 2011, starting in September we set up a working group to finalise the electoral rules.

This working group proposed substantial modifications to allow, in a transparent manner, firstly the widening participation to colleagues who wish to take a greater part in Union affairs, and secondly to give greater coherence to our actions by concentrating rather on problems specific to the Commission, while strengthening co-operation with other sections within the framework of the federal structure.

In particular, the group proposed:

to increase the number of members of the three committees (Executive Committee, Audit Committee and Appeals Committee;
to create a specific section for the Commission in Brussels;
to strengthen the functioning of Federal R&D which remains essential to ensure the effectiveness of our action across all the Institutions.
A final draft has been produced, and modifications to our Constitution are also submitted for your approval.

The General Meeting will therefore need to approve and/or improve these two documents which will allow us to have a new Executive Committee ready to face the important challenges awaiting us.

You will find the two documents mentioned above in annex;(i.e. the draft Constitution and the electoral rules for the Section R&D Commission.

In conformance with Article 4.1 of our Constitution (http://www.renouveau- democratie.eu/our-trade-union/statut_en/), the Members’ General Meeting, which is the sovereign body of the Union, is hereby called:

in first session (the majority of attendees representing at least 12,5% of members) for Friday 2 March at 12 noon in the Meeting Room of the Staff Committee (rue de la Loi, 80 –CCP room);

in second session (if the quorum specified in the paragraph above has not been reached, the new General Meeting will decide by a majority of members present) at 1.00pm on the same day (Friday 2 March) in the same room.

The agenda will therefore be:

approval of the agenda;
presentation and approval of the 2011 accounts and the provisional 2012 budget;
modifications to the R&D Constitution;
approval of the Electoral Rules;
any other business.
We wish as many members as possible to attend, as important decisions will have to be taken for the future of your Union.

With best wishes,

For the Executive Committee Franco IANNIELLO

R&D supports this initiative

lescutr — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:53:26 +0000

Do not hesitate to sign this petition.

http://www.1millionsignatures.eu/?a=en

No related posts.

“One glass of good cheer is worth much more than a pamphlet” Drink on 9th February 2012.

lescutr — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:40:24 +0000

Dear Colleagues,

“One glass of good cheer is worth much more than a pamphlet”

Erratum : Please note that the initial drink of the 10^th February will now takes place on

the 9^th February 2012 in the Atrium of the J-79 building, (entrance rue Joseph II or rue de la Loi 80) from 12.30

R&D apologise for this inconvenient

Meeting with R&D Partner Insurance Europe Assurances Services-EAS

lescutr — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:35:09 +0000

Dear Colleagues,

we have a pleasure to invite you to our meeting with R&DInsurance partner EAS that will take place on

WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2012

12.30 – 15.00

European Parliament BUILDING PHS (Paul Henri Spaak) – ROOM P4B001

Further to our joint requests, – R&D Commission, R&D Council – our partnerEurope Assurance Service EAS has introduced and developed several tailor-made contracts applicable to the entire European civil service. This meeting is dedicated to present you the new insurance productThe insurance agency EAS Assurances has worked with the European institutions for several years, providing its specialist services of analysis and advice on questions linked to the conclusion of insurance contracts, mortgage credits, and consumer credits to European civil servants.

Contracts have been designed especially for you, they include:

Special health insurance contract for European civil servants to complement the sickness insurance scheme “RCAM”,

Legal expenses insurance scheme relating to private or professional life, covering specific risks of each individual (appeals pursuant to Article 90.2).

Analysis and advice on your insurance needs as well as individualized audit of your existing contracts (car insurance, home insurance (fire and theft protection), private liability insurance, assistance…)

As a member of R&D you can benefit from special premiums and other favourable conditions. EAS Assurance can also assist you in choosing mortgage or consumer credits.

Our partner will be happy to assist you in either of the following languages: French, English, Italian, Spanish and Dutch.

R&D always close to you and to your needs.

Invitation Drink and Political Guideline

lescutr — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:09:49 +0000

One glass of good cheer is worth much more than a pamphlet ..

R & D sends its best wishes for the New Year 2012 and invites you to a have a drink in the Atrium of the J-79 building,(entrance rue Joseph II 79 or rue de la Loi 80) from 12.30 on 10 February (see erratum). The meeting will be an opportunity to meet in a relaxed atmosphere and discuss the major challenges facing us in the coming months.

2012 will be a crucial year!

The history of European integration is such that it is crises that reveal the strength and quality of the European project. The crisis that we face today is particularly severe, and shows how necessary it is for all of us, trade unions and staff, to stay committed.

R & D listen to your concerns

Your concerns are real and fully justified, but we must not panic and we must retain hope.

Never before have attacks against Europe, against the Commission and against the public sector in general been so violent. Relayed and amplified by the some of the media, they are resulting in growing disaffection by European citizens vis-à-vis the European project and in particular, vis-à-vis the administration for which we work.

The dangers are real …

There has never been a worse time to engage in reform of the Staff Regulations. The dangers are real. In this context, R &D has made every effort to seek a fresh trade union approach and many have noticed this.

A minimalist communication strategy….

To avoid inundating you with practically identical messages from all the trade unions, R & D has voluntarily adopted a minimalist communication strategy, but without of course ever giving up on its defence of staff interests.

United staff representation…

Sensitive also to the calls to stop the partisan approach and the division of staff representation, R & D has continued to work for unity, by means such as the Alliance, setting up a stable trade union majority or the establishment of the COMMON FRONT in all the institutions on the basis of a shared programme and demands – as adopted by staff at the inter-institutional AG.

It would be irresponsible to do otherwise and to engage in electoral division! Our policy is clear and based on two unanimous resolutions

http://www.renouveau-democratie.eu/2011/11/resolution-of-the-interinstitutional-general-meeting-22-november-2011/
(http://www.weuropa.eu/2011/11/resolution-of-the-interinstitutional-general-staff-assembly-held-on-the-9-november-2011)

This is not only good intentions but clear commitments made to staff that dictate the daily activities of R & D and its representatives.

Thus, during the last election EEAS with the list of candidates NEAR composed by R & D, RSUSHU U4U SFE, R & D has participated in joint lists with other OSPs.

Your support was greatly appreciated. R & D intends to continue and expand this approach at all future elections.

Attentive staff representation and always at the service of others …

Sensitive to criticism that staff representation tends to stay in its ivory tower, out of touch with the real-life experience of staff, R & D has responded with increased efforts to ensure greater openness and wider involvement in decision-making. It is pleased that that the Common Front has adopted the principle of having a referendum with staff of all institutions, before making a final decision on the proposed reform.

Solidarity at the heart of R & D action …

Thinking back to the “every man for himself” and the “me first” attitude that characterized the 2004 reform, R & D has countered this time by placing solidarity at the centre of our trade union.

SOLIDARITY

- Solidarity between categories.
- Solidarity between existing staff and future colleagues.
- Solidarity between institutions to ensure a single, indivisible set of Staff Regulations.

R & D has put all its energy, expertise and resources into negotiations within the Common Front on the Commission’s proposal.

http://www.europe-solidarity.eu/

It is clear that the Council may not be satisfied with the Commission’s draft and may seek to destroy the central feature of the Community method: the European Civil Service.

We hope that MEPs will stand with us in our efforts to defend the civil service and build Europe.

It will be up to us, all together in the COMMON FRONT, with you and with staff from all other institutions, to confront this unprecedented crisis with courage, determination and a clear approach.

As never before, R & D will need your support.

R & D is counting on you.

Best wishes.

Training AST Competition

lescutr — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:53:22 +0000

Renouveau et Démocratie is delighted to inform you on the next session of formation for AST competition.

the courses are as followed : 31st January: Accuracy and precision: 12h30-14h30(FR) 17h30-19h30 (EN)

1st February : Prioritising and Organising : 12h30-14h30 (EN) 17h30-19h30(FR)

These trainings will take place on 31st and 1st February 2012 in our premises rue de la LOI 80 CCP room.

If you want any further information do not hesitate to contact our secretariat.

Increase the Eurocrats in austerity? – le Soir has published an article

lescutr — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:18:02 +0000

During this tough period for the European Public Service, le Soir has published a fair article about the salary.

To read : please follow the link (the version of this article is only available in french).

Related posts: Note sent to the “Le Soir” in reply to “Polemiques” article of october 13 Relight the flame: interview of Giuseppe Adurno published on le Commission en Direct Le Soir: The Commission goes to Court

Time running out for final appeal on Promotions 2011

lescutr — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:28:01 +0000

Time running out for final appeal on Promotions 2011

Article 90(2) appeals against promotion decisions

The new evaluation exercise 2012 has been launched but for some of you the promotion exercise 2011 may not be finished yet. Given the changeover to a new evaluation and promotion system as of 2012 it is important to make sure that you have been treated fairly and equally and no procedural errors have occurred during the 2011 evaluation and promotion procedure.

You have three months after the publication dates to launch a final complaint Art 90(2).

This deadline expires on 27 January 2012.

What could be the main reasons for appeal?

If your Director General did not follow a (unanimous) opinion by the Joint Appraisal and Promotion Committees AD and AST to increase your performance level or points without sufficient justification;
If you are in a slow career while your CDRs confirm your merit over time e.g. your appraisal reports consistently praise you as an excellent official but no account is taken in the promotion decision
If you were penalised because the promotion rates in your grade are not been respected;
If you were penalised for mobility or for a justified prolonged absence
If your promotion appears delayed beyond the periods foreseen in the Staff Regulation and General Implementing provisions so-called ‘Kallas guarantee’, without justification through sub-standard performance

This list is not exhaustive, since every colleague’s situation is different.

Missing statistics make your decision more difficult…..

R&D notes that up to now no clear and final statistical data have been made public and might make it more difficult to verify the legality of your non-promotion on the basis of the average promotion rates for your grade provided by Annex IB of staff regulations or, for the former (pre-2004) end of career AST and AD grades, on the basis of the annual promotion rates as provided for in Annex XIII, art 9 and 10. Data have been communicated to Unions .

If you decide to launch an appeal make sure that your promotion rhythm and career speed is based on merit and not unduly delayed for structural reasons; for instance :

If you are in a grade mentioned in the Annex XIII, art 9 – 10 [AST and AD ex end of career grades] of the Staff Regulations, compare relevant yearly statutory promotion rates to annual promotion rates in column F.
If you are in any other grade apart of the ones mentioned in Annex XIII, art 9 and 10, compare the 5 year average promotion rates mentioned in Annex IB of staff regulations to 5 year average promotion rates in column A.
In both cases, if your merit have been recognised in your CDR you could envisage lodging an appeal if rates in relevant Staff Regulations annexes are higher than the ones respectively in column F or A.

In case of doubt ask R&D specialists:

For AD staff our specialists are: [link to our site]
For AST staff our specialists are: [link to our site]
Please contact our secretariat to make a free appointment with our lawyer, if you are a member.

If you intend to go to Court over your non-promotion, lodging an Article 90.2 complaint is a legal pre-condition to do so, in order to give the administration a last chance to correct an error.

To launch an Art 90(2) appeal, you can use the forms available on Intracomm at the following link: http://myintracomm.ec.europa.eu/hr_admin/en/appeals/complaints/Pages/index.aspx

R&D – the trade union at your service

( 55676 – Email REP PERS OSP R&D
www.renouveau-democratie.eu

Epso’s irregularities condemned by the court- Pachtitis Ruling

lescutr — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:37:23 +0000

On 14 December 2011, the Court (Appeal Chamber) rejected the appeal lodged by the Commission (case T-361/10 P) asking it to set aside the judgement of the European Union Civil Service Tribunal of 15 June 2010, Pachtitis/Commission (F‑35/08). This judgement had annulled the decisions of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) of 31 May and 6 December 2007 excluding Mr Dimitrios Pachtitis from the list of the 110 candidates having obtained the highest scores in the admission tests for general competition EPSO/AD/77/06.

As well as paying for its own expenses, the European Commission will also have to pay those incurred by Mr Pachtitis.

This Judgement also upholds the position of the Staff Representation of the European Institutions, which has been denouncing these irregularities for years.

EPSO management tried to ignore the first Judgement of the Court, and continued with its questionable practices for two more years, thereby taking important risks.

The fault committed by EPSO consisted of by-passing the power of the competition Boards regarding the eliminatory tests, the contents of which must be decided by these Boards, and not by outside private companies (THOMPSON Prometric in this particular case) from which not only did EPSO purchase these tests, but to which it also delegated the power of delivering them in their own premises throughout the world, without any surveillance procedures or guarantees of inviolability.

This case constitutes a blow to the prestige and credibility of the Union’s Bodies and undermines the confidence of European citizens towards “Brussels” at a time when Euro-scepticism is at an all-time high.

It should be noted that the Commission, in its appeal, tried to put pressure on the Court by mentioning the enormous cost that a decision in favour of the complainant would entail!

This attitude of contempt towards the Court’s Judgement will cost, according to EPSO’s own calculations, the tidy sum of 2 300 000 €, just at a moment when the Commission want to impose staff cuts on all institutions, and when Member States blindly attack the European Civil Service, asking for senseless budgetary cuts, the only result of which will be a drop in staff performance, without the Institutions (and in particular the Commission, which manages the bulk of the Union’s budget such as aid, subsidies and programmes) getting better financial governance.

Member States clearly show their hypocrisy by leaving the largest part of expenditure (aid, subsidies, programmes) without proper control, while trying to impose net cuts, only for national electoral reasons, on salaries and pensions which only represent 3% of the Union’s budget.

The Institutions’ running expenses could have been more intelligently reduced during a period of crisis by putting an end to mass travelling to Strasbourg and Luxembourg, which costs around 200 000 000 € every year.

All is therefore “politics”, without any real substance or desire for efficiency.

Transfert of Pension Rights

lescutr — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:01:06 +0000

Dear members,

Last July, R&D put at your disposal models complaint against decisions to pensions rights taken on the basis of DGE (General implementing provisions of Articles 11 and 12 of Annex VIII to the Staff Regulation of March 2011) applied retroactively.

In order to decide on what action to take concerning the release of these claims, we must have a certain amount of data, including the number of people involved.

To this end we ask you to let us know if you are affected by this problem and if this happens to answer the questions by filling in the table below and returning it by return mail :

Name of Member

On what date did you introduce your transfer request (after December 31, 2008)?

On what date did you agree to refused the offer of PMO?

On what date did you introduce your claim?

On what date your claim was denied?

We draw your attention to the three-month period (up ten days) to go to court to appeal from the rejection of the claim. The rejection of the claim may be implicit, that the appointing authority has not responded to your complaint within four months from the date of the complaint was lodged.

Can you also tell us if you have purchased the insurance “legal protection” (EAS) that we recommend to all members at the time of accession and the date the contract was concluded. We ask you to give us the answer by the end of this week.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.