Madam,
We understand that the setting up of the EEAS is complicated and time-consuming -perhaps more than anyone had imagined. And negotiations with the Parliament can delay the process still further.
However,
Council and Commission staff destined for the new service are waiting impatiently and increasingly despondently for information about the decision on their immediate future.
They wonder what work they will be doing, where and for and with whom. When staff first learned of their potential transfer to the EEAS, they were excited by the challenge of creating a new institution and considered themselves fortunate to be in on the ground floor of such a momentous undertaking for Europe. Older colleagues were reminded of the thrill of the Delors days. Now they are increasingly worried by what kind of place the EEAS will be to work. The persistent lack of information and communication is strongly demotivating. The absence of any preparation of their working conditions seems indicative of a lack of interest
Which rules will apply from 1 of January?
There are hundreds of issues that will affect staffs daily lives that the EEAS will have to address, some as of day one and some shortly thereafter. The staff of the EEAS do not have a building. They do not know who will hand le their medical bills, their mission reimbursements, pay their salaries, look after their young children during the day or how they will be evaluated, promoted and trained.
Once senior management is appointed, we expect negotiations with staff’s representatives to start immediately. Of course, the basic rules are in the Staff Regulations, which apply to the staff of all EU Institutions. However, it is up to each institution to determine how the Staff Regulations are
implemented, On the basis of General Implementing Provisions negotiated by the trade unions and the Appointing Authority and subject to the opinion of that institution’s Staff Committee and the inter-institutional Staff Regulations Committee,
From I January, you will be the Appointing Authority for the staff of the EEAS. Setting out the EEAS’ own rules on staff will be an enormous challenge. You have said that the new organization
should not duplicate existing arrangements, but create something new and better. This is the opportunity to do so and we very much look forward to participating in the task.
But prolonged uncertainly is creating deep-felt frustration and demotivation. The staff of the EEAS deserves better, Europe deserves better.
In short, we demand:
- Immediate and regular information on all aspects of the EEAS from the nascent service itself.
- Clarity on the practical aspects of staff’s daily lives as of 1 January.
- Clear, provisional arrangements now allowing the EEAS to function and staff to work with service level agreements with Council and the Commission.
- Clarity for staff from the Member States on the provisional arrangements applying to them.
Mid-November, only less than 50 days before the birth of the EEAS, the Council Unions will organise a general meeting of all staff concerned from the Council and the Commission. The purpose of tbe meeting will be to take stock of the situation. We will discuss with staff measures to be taken to ensure that their questions are answered.
If fundamental issues remain outstanding a mere 6 weeks before staff are transferred, whether they like it or not, to the EEAS, social peace will be seriously threatened.
Yours faithfully,
Pour R&D Conseil: Bea Postiglione
Pour La FFPE: Renzo Carpenito
Pour l’Union Syndicale Conseil: Günther Lorenz