Résolution de l'AG du 22 novembre

Appel à l'assemblée générale du 22 novembre
    et document du Conseil circulé sous le titre "How to demolish the benefits of the Eurocrats?"

Résolution de l'assemblée générale du 9 novembre 2011

Appel à la réouverture des négociations (Assemblée générale)

Lettre au Président Barroso, relative à l'interruption du dialogue social.

RÉSOLUTION DE L'ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE INTERINSTITUTIONNELLE

Le personnel des Institutions européennes, y inclus les pensionnés, réuni en assemblée générale interinstitutionnelle le 22 novembre 2011, à l'appel du Front commun interinstitutionnel,

Vu le document du 15 novembre proposé par 17 États membres et mettant en cause les fondements de la fonction publique et les éléments essentiels du Statut,

Vu le rapport du Front commun sur les concertations menées depuis le 15 septembre sur le projet de décision de la Commission du 29 juin

Vu le mandat de l’Assemblée générale du personnel du 9 novembre et notamment le cahier de revendications approuvé par l'AG du 9 novembre

Vu l’échec de la Conciliation avec le VP Šefčovič, le mercredi 16 novembre

Vu le préavis de grève introduit par les OSP représentatives de la Commission, intégrées dans le Front commun, pour la période du 23 novembre au 7 décembre 2011

Considérant que la réforme de 2004 a d'ores et déjà induit des économies budgétaires de l'ordre de 3 milliards d'euros auxquels s'ajouteront 5 milliards euros d'ici 2020

Considérant que dans le contexte politique et économique actuel, une fonction publique européenne compétente, indépendante et permanente est indispensable pour garantir l'intérêt général et l'avenir de l'Union européenne

Considérant que la Commission n'a pas tenu compte des nombreuses propositions faites par le Front Commun pouvant générer des économies substantielles sans affaiblir la fonction publique européenne

Demande que les perspectives financières 2014-2020 relatives aux dépenses administratives prévoient le financement nécessaire pour que les Institutions européennes puissent remplir leurs missions

PAR CONSÉQUENT, L'ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE EXIGE QUE LA COMMISSION :

1) défende une Fonction publique européenne indépendante, unie et permanente : indispensable par ailleurs dans la situation de crise économique et de gouvernance actuelle

2) fasse droit à la demande du Front commun de pouvoir être entendu par le Collège avant qu’il ne prenne une décision sur le Paquet de révision du Statut, annoncée pour le 23 novembre

3) vu les pressions exercées par les États membres qui veulent lier la réforme de notre Statut à l'adaptation des rémunérations 2011 et surtout l'acceptation incompréhensible du VP Šefčovič et du Collège de se soumettre à ces pressions en accélérant le dépôt du projet de révision du Statut.

4) ensemble, avec la Commission et le soutien du personnel, présentons au Conseil un paquet réforme qui conviendra aussi au Parlement européen. Pour ce faire, ouvrons à nouveau les négociations. Enfin, la Représentation du Personnel doit être associée directement et à temps à toutes les étapes à venir du processus de négociation.

5) défende jusqu'au bout du processus de codécision et au-delà l'unicité du Statut, l'attractivité de la fonction publique européenne tous lieux confondus y compris en ce qui concerne les conditions de travail, les carrières, les salaires, les pensions, l'égalité des chances et les Écoles européennes.

Donne mandat au Front commun :

RESOLUTION OF THE INTERINSTITUTIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The staff of the European institutions, including retired staff, meeting in an interinstitutional general assembly on 22 November 2011 and responding to the call of the Joint interinstitutional front,

In view of the document published on 15 November by 17 Member States which questions directly the grounds of the public service and the essential elements of the Staff regulations,

In view of the report of the Joint front on the consultations carried out since 15 September on the draft decision of the Commission of 29 June,

In view of the mandate of the Staff General Assembly of 9 November, especially of the register of demands approved by the GA on 9 November,

In view of the failure of the conciliation with VP Šefčovič, on Wednesday 16 November,

In view of the strike announcement made by the staff representatives of the Commission, part of the Joint front, for the period comprised between 23 November - 7 December 2011,

Given that the 2004 reform has already engendered budgetary savings amounting to 3 billions euros coupled with 5 more billion euros that will be saved until 2020,

Given that in the current political and economic context, a competent, independent and permanent European public service is crucial to guarantee general interest and the future of the European Union,

Given that the Commission has done without the numerous proposals put forward by the Joint Front likely to engender substantial savings without weakening the European public service,

Asks that the financial perspectives 2014-2020 regarding administrative expenditure allow for the funding that is necessary for a proper execution of their tasks/missions.

THEREFORE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEMANDS THAT THE COMMISSION:

1) defends an independent, permanent and united European public service, which is actually crucial in the current situation of economic and governance crisis

2) answers positively to the request of the Joint Front to be heard by the College before taking any decision as regards the package on the Staff Regulations change, announced on 23 November,

3) considering the pressure exerted by the member states who want to link the reform of our Staff regulations to the pay adjustment for 2011 and especially the incomprehensible acceptance by VP Šefčovič and by Collège to pay heed to such pressures while accelerating the presentation of the draft proposal on the Staff Regulations review,

4) together, with the Commission and the support of the Staff, let us present to the Council a package on reform that will be acceptable to the European Parliament as well. To do so, let us reopen negotiations. Last, Staff Representatives must be involved directly and in due time to all upcoming stages of the negotiation process.

5) defends until the end the co-decision process and above all, the uniqueness of the Staff regulations, the attractiveness of the European public service, all positions included, including working conditions, careers, pay, pensions, equal opportunities and European schools.

Authorizes the Joint Front to:

"How to demolish the benefits of the Eurocrats?"
La seconde mort de Monnet, Schuman et des "Pères de l'Europe"

TOUTES et TOUS à l'Assemblée Générale interinstitutionnelle, Mardi 22 novembre, à 12h45, dans le Hall du Berlaymont Ensemble, avec la Commission et le soutien du personnel, présentons au Conseil un paquet réforme qui conviendra aussi au Parlement européen

Le Vice-président chargé de la réforme vient à nouveau d'interrompre les négociations sur la reforme du Statut. Il compte présenter au Collège une proposition sur laquelle le Front commun interinstitutionnel n'a pas marqué son accord, malgré les propositions réalistes, solidaires, équilibrées et équitables de ce dernier.

Cette interruption fait suite à la publication, quelques instants auparavant, d'un document provenant de 17 Etats membres – "How to demolish the benefits of the Eurocrats?" - demandant à la Commission d'aller plus loin dans les attaques contre nos conditions d'emploi et de travail:

Nous demandons que le Vice-président soit à la hauteur de la mission qui lui a été confiée et agisse en accord avec le personnel qu'il doit défendre.

Le Collège nous demande de travailler plus pour gagner moins

Où en est-on après deux mois à peine de négociations? La fonction publique ressort très affaiblie. Ses effectifs seront amputés de manière durable de 10%, voire plus. Les conditions de travail seront très nettement aggravées: nous devrions travailler, chaque semaine, chaque année, et pendant toute notre vie professionnelle, dans des conditions plus difficiles, en gagnant moins, en raison également de l'augmentation du prélèvement de crise (+50%).

Si la précarité inscrite dans la première version du projet de la Commission a reculé grâce aux négociateurs syndicaux et à la mobilisation du personnel, il reste des progrès à faire au niveau salarial pour les revenus les plus faibles. Le VP s'est en outre attribué certaines avancées obtenues par la Représentation du Personnel, par exemple sur la réduction de la précarité et l'amélioration de la situation des fonctionnaires post-2004, sauf pour les AST. L'accès au sommet des carrières reste bloqué pour les assistants, avec le risque de blocage pour les administrateurs, décidé au Conseil. Le plan d'action pour améliorer le déroulement de carrière, l'exercice des métiers, la situation des 55+, l'égalité hommes-femmes, etc., reste une vaine promesse.

Refusons le détricotage de l'Europe et de ses Institutions
Exigeons que la Commission défende un paquet réforme compatible avec ses missions.

Le refus d'un accord avec le Front commun, alors qu'il était possible, fait naître les plus grandes craintes sur les concessions que la Commission est prête à entériner lors des prochaines étapes, notamment au Conseil. Le Collège est-il donc prêt à de nouvelles concessions et à sacrifier ainsi la fonction publique européenne?

C'est afin de trouver un accord sur un paquet que l'ensemble des syndicats appelle le personnel à une Assemblée Générale interinstitutionnelle, le Mardi 22 novembre. D'autres actions de mobilisation et de grève pourront être décidées.

Ensemble, avec la Commission et le soutien du personnel, présentons au Conseil un paquet réforme qui conviendra aussi au Parlement européen. Pour ce faire, ouvrons à nouveau les négociations. Enfin, la Représentation du Personnel doit être associée directement et à temps à toutes les étapes à venir du processus de négociation.

TOUTES et TOUS à l'Assemblée Générale interinstitutionnelle, le Mardi 22 novembre, à 12h45, dans le Hall du Berlaymont

"How to demolish Eurocrats' benefits?"
The second death of Monnet, Schuman and the "Fathers of Europe"

EVERYBODY should come to the Inter-institutional General Meeting, Tuesday 22 November, at 12 :45pm, in the Berlaymont Hall
Together, with the Commission and the support of staff, let's present a reform package to the Council which will also be acceptable to the European Parliament

The responsible Vice-President has just, yet again, interrupted the negotiations on the reform of the Staff Regulations. He intends to present to the College a proposal to which the United Inter-institutional Front has not given its approval, despite the latter’s proposals which are realistic, balanced and fair.

This interruption follows the publication, a short time before, of a document originating from 17 Member States - "How to demolish Eurocrats' benefits?" – asking the Commission to go further in attacking our working and employment conditions:

We demand that the Vice-President be equal to the task with which he has been entrusted, and acts with the agreement of the staff that he should be defending.

The College is asking us to work more and earn less

Where are we after barely two months of negotiations? The European Civil Service comes out much weakened. Staff numbers will be cut in a lasting manner by 10%, perhaps more. Working conditions will be very seriously worsened: we will have to work, each week, each year, and for all our professional lives, in more difficult conditions, earning less because of the increase in the crisis levy (an extra 50%).

 If the job insecurity set out in the first version of the Commission’s draft has been reduced thanks to union negotiators and staff activism, progress remains to be made on salary levels for the worst paid. In addition, the VP took credit for certain improvements obtained by Staff Representatives, for example a reduction in uncertainty for and an improvement in the situation of officials recruited after 2004, except for AST grades.

Access to higher grades remains blocked for assistants, with the risk of blockage for administrators too, at the demand of the Council. The plan of action to improve career progression, the skills exercise, the situation of the over-55s, gender equality, etc, all remain vain promises. 

Let us refuse the unravelling of Europe and its Institutions
Let us demand that the Commission defend a reform package that is compatible with its mission

The refusal of an agreement with the United Front, while it was possible, gives rise to the greatest fears about the concessions that the Commission may be prepared to make during the next stages, notably at the Council. Is the College prepared to make new concessions and thus sacrifice the European Civil Service?

It is with the object of finding an agreement that all the Unions call staff to an Inter-institutional General Meeting, on Tuesday 22^nd November. Other industrial action or strikes may be decided upon.

Together with the Commission and the support of staff, let us present a reform package which will also be acceptable to the European Parliament To do this, let us get negotiations restarted.

Finally, Staff Representatives should be directly involved and in a timely fashion with all the coming stages of the negotiation process.

Document from the Council on the Staff Regulation

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 15 November 2011
DS 1730/11
MEETING DOCUMENT
To: Delegations
Subject: Contributions concerning the content of upcoming Staff Regulations Review

Contribution from Austrian, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Netherlands, Swedish and United Kingdom delegations to the European Commission concerning the content of upcoming Staff Regulations Review

Following a contribution letter supported by 14 Member States first presented on 22 June 2011 (document 12240/11 + COR 1 REV 2) and in the context of the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework, we welcome the Commission’s decision to revise the Staff Regulations. We are grateful to the Commission for having shared their initial draft text with the lead Council Working Group, the Groupe Statut, on 30 June 2011 and for their consideration of our previous joint paper mentioned above.

As the Commission takes forward the social dialogue with staff representatives and the consultation with other Institutions, and in advance of the Commission submitting its formal draft proposal, we wanted to share our thoughts on the initial draft text.

Some of the proposed amendments go in the right direction. However, especially given the current economic climate, it is our view that the changes proposed by the Commission in its initial draft do not offer sufficient and guaranteed financial savings. Most MS are responding to current economic and fiscal circumstances with efficiency measures or other reforms affecting the terms and conditions of civil servants. The staff of the European Institutions cannot remain immune from these fiscal consolidation efforts. To ensure that the EU budget can support the activities and provide the greatest possible benefits for European citizens within this economic climate, we need to ensure that all expenditure offers value for money. Over the next Multiannual Financial Framework, we therefore wish to see very substantial reductions in such spending including on salaries, pensions and benefits, as well as reductions in discretionary administrative spending.

The savings which the Commission have proposed would be a good starting point. However, we are not convinced that they will be realised and we have serious concerns regarding the implementation and monitoring of this proposal. In any case we do not think that the current draft proposal is sufficiently ambitious in trying to create the modern, effective and dynamic organisation which is crucial to attracting, retaining and motivating the best and brightest of Europe’s citizens.

We are therefore suggesting below a number of further changes that we would like to see covered within the formal proposal on the Staff Regulations.

1. Salary Adjustment Method

In most Member States there is no automatic salary adjustment. Instead adjustments are decided according to the economic situation and the affordability of salary increases. This principle should be the same for the EU Institutions.

If a salary adjustment method is to remain, we welcome the decision to stop using the artificial Brussels International Index (BII), but we do not consider the proposed compound index for Belgium and Luxembourg to be an acceptable alternative. It would be more costly. It also involves another artificial index, which would not be sufficiently transparent for EU citizens to understand. The genuine Belgium Harmonised Consumer Price Index should be used as an alternative.

We do not support the proposed addition of the two reference states as this would lead to an increase in the annual salary adjustment compared to the current system. Furthermore, continuation with the current sample maintains the consistency of the salary development and gives more space for securing the quality of data.

We welcome the Commission’s intention to amend the Exception Clause (Article 10, Annex XI). However, the proposed amendments are not satisfactory since they do not allow a freeze or a reduction in the salary adjustment. Instead, the new exception clause would simply stagger the adjustment over two years according to a mathematical logic which leaves no room for a more political approach. We want to see a new exception clause which gives the Council the authority, if it finds there is an exceptional crisis situation in the EU, to decide on whether the mathematical calculation of the salary adjustment should be set aside.

Finally, we would also like the adjustment of allowances and pensions to be separated from that of salaries.

2. Pensions

In line with the 2010 Council Conclusions on the Eurostat Study of the EU pensions (document 18250/10), we have serious concerns about the long-term sustainability and costs of the EU pension system. We welcome the Commission’s proposal to increase the pension age from 63 to 65, and to increase the early retirement age from 55 to 58. However these changes would not be sufficient to make the system financially sustainable over the long term, so we firmly believe that more substantial reform is required.

To this end, the increase in the retirement age should be accompanied by a decrease of the accrual rate. We would ask the Commission to consider the introduction of average career salary as a basis for calculation of EU pensions. Staff should be responsible for financing a larger share of the costs of the pension scheme

Transition measures for the staff already in place are too favourable, especially the increase of the bonus to encourage staff to work up to 67. As a result, the proposed changes to the system would not have any impact in the short- or mid- term.

Referring to the Council Conclusions on early retirement measures (document 14699/10) it should not be possible to retire early without a reduction in the pension,

3. Special/Solidarity Levy

We welcome the Commission’s proposed maintenance of the Special Levy as an act of solidarity with the EU citizens especially during these difficult economic times. In that vein, we ask that the Commission make further recommendations to maximise the contribution that the new “Solidarity Levy” would make to the EU budget. In particular we would like to see the removal of exemptions to this levy (notably the exemption corresponding to the basic salary of an official in grade 1 step 1), and an increase of the rate from 5,5%. Allowances and pensions should also be subject to the “Solidarity Levy”.

4. Career Structure

The revision of the Staff Regulations offers an important opportunity to continue the work launched in 2004 to modernise the career structure for officials. The aim should be to ensure that the Institutions are as effective and dynamic as possible, helping them to attract, retain and motivate top talent across the EU.

With respect to promotion and progression, we would like to see a move to a system where grade and remuneration are linked to performance, responsibility and management functions, rather than time spent working for the Institutions. We appreciate that this link already exists at the most senior AD levels, and we welcome the Commission’s proposal to introduce similar links for AST10 and AST11. However, referring to the Council conclusions on career structure (document 12405/11), we consider that for consistency in staff career progression and to support modern working practices, such links should be in place not only for the most senior staff, but at all levels.
Promotions should be based on merit not quotas. We would therefore like to see the removal of the automatic link between the number of staff at one level and the spaces for promotion to the next level, in favour of a system focused on business need and staff performance. There should be a cap on the advancement of AD staff with no management responsibility.

The monitoring of the 5% staff reduction should consider both staff number and the size of the paybill, including for the contract agents. With the replacing of some AST functions by contact agents, we would like to see an establishment plan also for this staff category.

Conditions concerning non-active officials, especially the allowance granted to such officials, are too favourable and should be revised.

5. Allowances

We take note of the Commission’s proposed reform to the annual travel allowance.

However, we would like to see more ambitious measures with respect to all allowances leading to further savings.

We believe that the expatriation allowance deserves the most attention. It stands at 16 % of officials’ salary regardless of the number of years an individual has lived as an expatriate, despite the fact that the expenses and burdens resulting from expatriation naturally diminish over time. We recommend (following the 209th report of Coordinating committee on remuneration recommendation, as already adopted by NATO, European Space Agency and the Council of Europe) a reduction in the expatriation allowance to 10 %. It should gradually be phased out for each staff member concerned between years 5 and 10 of his/her career at a rate of -2 percentage points annually. Furthermore, the expatriation allowance should be calculated on the basis of the basic salary only, not including any family allowance.

6. Delegated Acts

Finally, we are concerned about the Commission’s proposed use of delegated acts especially with respect to the annual salary adjustment and all decisions with financial impact. Article 290 TFEU is an enabling provision so there is no obligation on the European Parliament nor the Council to delegate these competencies. Moreover, we do not wish to reduce our influence on these issues.

e-mail from VP ŠEFČOVIČ on the second breakdown of the negociations.

From: SEFCOVIC MAROS
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 9:13 PM
To: EC LIST EVERYBODY
Subject: Proposed Changes to the Staff Regulations

Dear Colleagues,

I have today met with staff representatives in a conciliation meeting, which is the last step foreseen in the procedure of the social dialogue on the proposed changes to the Staff Regulations. I have made a significant number of concessions during these negotiations. Unfortunately, this conciliation meeting did not allow us to reach a common position.

During the last four and a half months of discussion, negotiation and exchange of views, we have been able to take comments on board from Staff Representatives of the Commission, other Institutions and Agencies, as well as retired staff. Last but not least, the online forum, with today close to 1000 comments, was and will be an important input for our work.

However, given the current economic situation, a number of proposals could simply not be changed and will remain. The proposed increase in weekly working hours from 37.5 to 40 is directly linked to the reduction of staff numbers by 5% in all staff categories and all Institutions and Agencies before 2018. The increase in the normal retirement age to 65 years is another element which remains, in line with current or forthcoming practices in many Member States. In this respect, I want to underline the appropriate transition period anticipated in the draft proposal.

In the area of careers, I have taken on board the request from Staff Representatives and other Institutions that secretarial tasks shall continue to be performed by officials. This will be accompanied, at the same time, by the introduction of a specific career and salary grid, directly linking career progression to job responsibilities. This new salary grid for future secretaries and clerks represents a very significant improvement if compared to the initial June proposal.

For AST 1 staff recruited after 2004, who will belong to the AST1-7 career stream, I have also introduced the possibility to access the category of assistants (AST1-11) without changing post. This concerns a limited number of staff and will be done on the basis of the evaluation of their functions and job responsibilities.

Moreover, I have introduced myself a certain number of important improvements relating to career progression for AD staff, particularly those recruited following the 2004 Reform. As such, I have included three aspects which do not require any change to the Staff Regulations. I have proposed to run internal Commission competitions at higher grades to allow a significant number of AD staff recruited after 2004 to pursue a faster career. In addition, I propose the possibility for AD8 officials, after two years of seniority in the grade, to apply for AD9 Head of Unit posts and to lower the Head of Sector grade requirement to AD7.

Finally, I have proposed to extend the maximum duration of Contract Agent employment from the current 3 years to a maximum of 6 years. In addition, I have included an option for Institutions to open internal competitions for Contract Agent staff to become officials.

With regard to salary and allowances, I have proposed an increase of the solidarity levy from 5.5% to 6% in order to demonstrate the solidarity of EU staff to fellow citizens. In addition, I propose to extend the duration of the Method used to calculate salaries and pensions to 10 years to allow both greater visibility and stability on this issue.

A number of further elements have been adapted in this new proposal compared to the first version in June this year. These changes concern administrative issues concerning Agencies; geographical balance; and removal expenses. In addition, I have also proposed to increase the annual travelling time from 2 days to 3 days.

As regards flexitime, I think there has been a misunderstanding of the proposal as far as managers are concerned: we do not propose to abolish all flexibility for managers. We merely propose to limit the possibilities to recuperate extra days on a systematic basis, as managers are empowered by the Commission to manage time of others and their own time.

All changes will be explained on the dedicated website in the following days and I invite you to refer to this online source of information and to continue using the online forum to express your views and questions.

After this last meeting in the context of the social dialogue, I will report the outcome of the negotiations to the College. Following that, there will be a formal consultation of the Staff Regulations Committee and of the Staff Committee. After this, the final text will go to the College for adoption, ideally before the end of the year. We will then start discussions with the Parliament and Council, leading to the eventual adoption of the amended Staff Regulations via co-decision procedure.

Throughout these negotiations I have tried to reconcile a range of different views and positions, which often seemed very far apart. This has not been always possible, as the last meeting with staff representatives showed. Acting otherwise would have impaired the overall equilibrium of the package, including the objective of realising the savings we need to make in this period of austerity.

We should all be aware that the discussions in the Parliament and the Council will be tough. Today again, the Council discussed a list of demands put forward by 17 Member States to amend the Staff Regulations.

But I look forward to the challenge, based on what I think is a strong and credible proposal and, as I have always promised, I will continue making the European public administration an attractive work place for the best people.

Dear colleagues, I promised that I will fight hard to protect the salaries, rights, and pensions of our staff.

Best regards,

INTERINSTITUTIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION November 9, 2011

The European Institutions' staff, pensioners included, united in an interinstitutional general assembly on November the 9th 2011, following the invitation from the interinstitutional Common Front,

Given the explanation of the Common Front on the consultations carried out since September the 15th concerning the draft of the Commission's decision of 29 June 2011,

Given the lack of results during consultations,

Given the calendar which VP Sefcovic wants to impose while consultations have not been concluded,

Given the blackmail on the 2011 salary adjustment's to justify the early filing of the proposed revision to the Staff Regulations,

Taking into account that the 2004 Reform has already brought about budgetary savings amounting to 3 billion € to which will be added 5 billion by 2020.

Taking into account that in the current political and economic context, a competent European civil service, independent and permanent, is essential to guarantee the general interest.

Insists that the 2014-2020 financial perspectives concerning the administrative expenditures foresee the necessary financing so the European institutions can fulfil their missions.

THEREFORE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CALLS ON THE COMMISSION TO:

1) defend the independant and permanent European civil service by maintaining secretarial posts within the AST function group.

2) confirm that the consultations become a real negotiation on all the elements of the proposal, aiming to arrive at a package taking into account the general interest

3) agree to defend this package and ensure that once the proposal is submitted to the Council and the European Parliament, it will not accept changes without coming back to the Common Front

4) defend to the end of the negotiation the unicity of the Staff Regulations, the attractiveness of the European civil service in all locations including working conditions, careers, salaries, pensions, the equal opportunities and the European schools. These are essential and are a prerequisite to begin a real dialogue.

Mandates the Common Front to negotiate on the basis of their list of demands and to keep staff informed by way of General Assembly any action it deems necessary including already filing a notice of strike as a precaution until the end of December 2011.

Requests the Common Front to forward this resolution and the list of demands to all staff to enable such personnel assigned outside of Brussels to express their support.

Common Front : List of demands

RÉSOLUTION DE L'ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE INTERINSTITUTIONNELLE 9 novembre 2011

Le personnel des Institutions européennes, y inclus les pensionnés, réuni en assemblée générale interinstitutionnelle le 9 novembre 2011, à l'appel du Front commun interinstitutionnel,

Vu le rapport du Front commun sur les concertations menées depuis le 15 septembre sur le projet de décision de la Commission du 29 juin

Vu l'insuffisance des résultats au cours de ces concertations

Vu le calendrier que le VP Šefčovič veut imposer alors que les concertations n'ont pas pu être clôturées,

Vu le chantage sur le dossier d'adaptation des rémunérations 2011 pour justifier un dépôt à la hâte du projet de révision du Statut

Considérant que la réforme de 2004 a d'ores et déjà induit des économies budgétaires de l'ordre de 3 milliards d'euros auxquels s'ajouteront 5 milliards euros d'ici 2020

Considérant que dans le contexte politique et économique actuel, une fonction publique européenne compétente, indépendante et permanente est indispensable pour garantir l'intérêt général

Demande avec insistance que les perspectives financières 2014-2020 relatives aux dépenses administratives prévoient le financement nécessaire pour que les Institutions européennes puissent remplir leurs missions

PAR CONSÉQUENT, L'ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE EXIGE QUE LA COMMISSION :

1) défende la Fonction publique indépendante et permanente en maintenant la fonction des secrétaires à l'intérieur du groupe des fonctions des AST

2) confirme que la concertation devienne une véritable négociation sur tous les éléments de la proposition, en vue d'arriver à un paquet tenant compte de l'intérêt général

3) s'engage à défendre ce paquet et garantisse que, une fois la proposition transmise au Conseil et au Parlement européen, elle n'acceptera pas de modifications sans revenir en concertation avec le Front commun

4) s'engage à défendre jusqu'au bout de la négociation l'unicité du Statut, l'attractivité de la fonction publique européenne tous lieux confondus y compris en ce qui concerne les conditions de travail, les carrières, les salaires, les pensions, l'égalité des chances et les Écoles européennes. Ces éléments sont essentiels et constituent une condition sine qua non pour entamer un véritable dialogue social.

Donne mandat au Front commun de négocier sur la base de leur cahier de revendications et de tenir informé le personnel par Assemblées générales et d'entreprendre toute action qu'il estimerait nécessaire y inclus d'ores et déjà le dépôt d'un préavis de grève à titre conservatoire jusqu'à fin décembre 2011

Demande au Front commun de transmettre la présente résolution et le cahier de revendication à l'ensemble du personnel pour permettre notamment au personnel affecté hors Bruxelles d'exprimer son soutien.

Ensemble, avec la Commission et le soutien du personnel,
présentons un paquet réforme au Conseil et au Parlement

TOUTES ET TOUS À L'ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE INTERINSTITUTIONNELLE, LE MERCREDI 9 NOVEMBRE,
À 12H30, DANS LE HALL DU BERLAYMONT

Le Vice-président Šefčovič vient de rompre unilatéralement les négociations en cours et propose une ultime concertation politique de pure façade, le lundi 7 novembre. Le prétexte est que le Conseil réclamerait que le paquet Réforme lui soit présenté en fin d’année, en même temps que la proposition pour la Méthode. Comment le Vice-président peut-il espérer que le personnel accepte la précarisation accrue et l’affaiblissement de la fonction publique en échange de trente deniers?

Ce faisant, le Vice-président empêche l'élaboration d'un compromis qui était en cours de discussion, et aurait permis l'adoption d'un paquet à défendre ensemble - Commission et personnel de toutes les institutions - face au Conseil, avec le soutien probable du Parlement européen. Cette démarche de compromis est la seule réaliste pour nous défendre efficacement. La refuser revient à démontrer que le Collège est prêt à de nouvelles concessions face au Conseil, qui aggravera sa proposition initiale.

La représentation du personnel, unie en Front Commun, souhaite défendre efficacement la Fonction Publique européenne, et améliorer ses conditions de travail. Elle s'oppose aux propositions de la Commission qui visent à affaiblir nos institutions, au moment même où son Président appelle au renforcement de la méthode communautaire (cf. dernier discours sur l’état de l’Union).

Le Front Commun propose des solutions qui tiennent compte des intérêts de toutes les catégories du personnel, en évitant de les opposer les unes aux autres. Cependant, la représentation du personnel est consciente de la nécessité d'une solidarité. Cette solidarité ne doit cependant pas emprunter la voie des fausses solutions, qui sont à l'origine de la crise actuelle et inspirent un grand nombre de mesures contenues dans la proposition de réforme du Collège.

Ces considérations nous incitent à penser qu'un compromis sur la réforme est non seulement possible mais également nécessaire. C'est cet espoir que la rupture unilatérale et brutale des négociations essaie de compromettre. Que se passera-t-il si cette rupture est confirmée par le Président de la Commission, que nous avons interpellé?

D'abord, aucune des promesses (non confirmées), obtenues en cours de route par les syndicats en Front Commun, ne sera plus certaine:

- exit donc les contrats jusqu'à 6 ans pour les AC à durée déterminée; exit aussi les possibilités des concours internes pour tous les AC; idem pour l'amélioration de certaines carrières des AC, et pour les mesures transitoires promises pour faire bénéficier le personnel AC en place des promesses de la réforme;
- de plus, la précarisation des secrétaires sera certaine, ouvrant la voie à une attaque ultérieure contre les assistants et certains AD, et sonnant la fin d'une fonction publique permanente, compétente et indépendante;
- l'accès au sommet des carrières sera bloqué d'abord pour les assistants, ensuite pour les administrateurs: les compromis subis par les anciens fonctionnaires et surtout par les nouveaux ne seront compensés par aucune des avancées, même très limitées, obtenues en contrepartie en 2004;
- les conditions de travail seront très nettement aggravées et la fonction publique affaiblie, puisque ses effectifs seront amputés non pas des 5% annoncés mais en moyenne d'un peu plus de 10% - dans certains cas 15% - compte tenu de la sous-occupation actuelle du tableau des effectifs;
- à ce tableau déjà sombre viendront s'ajouter des "mesurettes", d'apparence anodine, mais qui ensemble font mal: révision à la baisse du flexitime, réduction drastique des délais de route, allongement injustifié de la durée de travail et de l'âge de départ à la retraite, suppression des départs volontaires sans pénalités… Au total, des mesures qui réduisent significativement pouvoir d'achat, temps libre, durée de la retraite;
- last but not least: aucune mesure d'amélioration du déroulement des carrières, des modes d'exercice du métier, de réduction des problèmes pour les collègues femmes, les recrutés post 2004, les 55+, contenues dans les propositions de la plupart des syndicats, n'auront une chance de se concrétiser; idem pour les propositions visant à améliorer l'organisation des institutions.

De plus, si la Commission ne recherche pas le compromis avec les OSP c'est parce qu'elle ne voudra pas promettre de tenir bon face au Conseil. Celui-ci déborde d’idées pour détruire la fonction publique européenne: si on le laisse faire, exit les 16%, le niveau des retraites, le niveau des salaires; bonjour la précarité et le fonctionnement intergouvernemental de la Commission, déjà bien établi.

C'est pour s'opposer à un tel scenario que le Front Commun Interinstitutionnel des syndicats vous appelle à vous rendre en nombre à l'AG interinstitutionnelle du 9 novembre, à 12h30, dans le hall du Berlaymont, pour réclamer la réouverture des négociations et la promesse que la Commission défendra un paquet agréé avec le personnel.

A défaut, le Front Commun déposera un préavis de grève.

All together, with the Commission and the support of the entire staff, let’s present a reform package to the Council and the Parliament

ALL staff of ALL institutions are invited to the General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 9 November at 12.30 in the hall of the Berlaymont building

Vice-President Šefčovič has unilaterally just broken off the current negotiations and is proposing to hold a final political coordination meeting, purely for show, on Monday 7 November. The pretext for this is that the Council is demanding that the “reform” package be presented at the same time as the proposal for the method. How can the Vice-President possibly imagine that the staff will agree to increased precariousness and a weakening of the European civil service in exchange for thirty pieces of silver ?

In so doing the Vice-President is preventing current discussions on a compromise and, hence, the adoption of a package that we could defend together – the Commission and staff of all institutions – before the Council, with the probable support of our Parliament. This compromise path is the only realistic way we have of defending ourselves effectively. In refusing it the College would be showing that it is prepared to make more concessions to the Council, which will then harden its original proposal.

The staff representatives, united in a common front, want to defend effectively the European civil service and improve its working conditions. They are against any Commission proposals that aim at a weakening of our institutions at the very time when the President is calling for a strengthening of the Community method (cf. the latest speech on the state of the Union).

The Common Front is proposing solutions that take account of the interests of all categories of staff, being careful not to bring them into conflict with one another. The staff representatives are fully aware that solidarity is essential here. Nevertheless, such solidarity should not lead us to tread the path of false solutions, which have led to the present-day crisis and are at the root of a good many of the measures contained in the College’s proposal for reform.

These considerations lead us to think that a compromise on reform is not only possible but necessary. The unilateral breaking-off of negotiations is aimed at quelling this hope. What will happen if the President of the Commission, to whom we have appealed, confirms the break-off ?

First of all, for certain, none of the (unconfirmed) promises given to the common front of unions along the way will be kept :

• there will be no contract of up to six years’ duration for AC staff on temporary contracts, nor will there be any improvement in their career structure or any of the transitional measures promised to enable present AC staff to benefit from promises made under the reform package ;

• the situation of secretaries is sure to become more precarious, thus opening the way for an attack on assistants and certain AD staff and putting an end to a permanent, competent and independent European civil service ;

• access to the highest rung of the career ladder will be blocked, first of all, for assistants, next for administrators, since the compromises suffered by retired officials and, especially, by new recruits, will not be offset by any of the concessions, even the most limited, obtained in 2004 ;

• working conditions will become very much more difficult and the civil service will be weakened since its staff numbers will be reduced not by the announced 5% but by a little over 10% on average - 15% in certain cases – given that there are so many vacant posts at the moment ;

• this gloomy picture will be darkened even further by ‘certain little improvements’ which may appear harmless but which, taken together, really hurt – such as reduction of flexitime, drastic reduction of travel allowances, unjustified lengthening of working years and increase in retirement age, no more voluntary retirement without penalty and so on. All this results in a reduction in purchasing power, free time and time to enjoy retirement ;

• last but not least, there will be no hope that any step contained in proposals made by the majority of unions to improve career paths or working methods, to help female colleagues and officials recruited after 2004 or the over 55s to solve their problems, could stand a chance of coming about. The same will apply to the proposals aimed at improving the organization of the institutions.

What is more, the Commission is not seeking a compromise with the staff representatives because it does not want to promise to face up to the Council. The latter body is overflowing with ideas as to how to destroy the European civil service. If we let it, we can say goodbye to our 16%, to the quality of retirement pensions and the level of salaries - and welcome the precariousness and intergovernmental operation of the Commission, which is already an established fact.

In order to forestall such a scenario, the unions’ Common Front of all institution staff is appealing to you to turn up in force at the interinstitutional General Meeting to be held at 12.30 on 9 November in the hall of the Berlaymont building to demand the reopening of negotiations and that the Commission promise to defend a package agreed upon with the staff.

Le Vice-président chargé de la réforme vient d'interrompre brutalement les négociations en cours sur la reforme du statut et propose une ultime concertation politique de pure façade le lundi 7 novembre. Le prétexte en est que le Conseil réclame que le paquet ‘réforme’ lui soit présenté en même temps que la proposition pour l’application de la méthode en fin d’année. Comment le vice-président peut-il croire que le personnel acceptera la précarisation accrue et l’affaiblissement de la fonction publique en échange de trente deniers?

Ce faisant, il empêche l'élaboration d'un compromis en cours de discussion, et donc l'adoption d'un paquet à défendre ensemble - Commission et personnel de toutes les institutions - face au Conseil et avec le soutien du Parlement. Cette démarche de compromis est la seule réaliste pour nous défendre efficacement. La refuser, revient à illustrer que le Collège est prêt à de nouvelles concessions face au Conseil, qui ne manquera pas d'aggraver sa proposition.

La représentation du personnel unie en Front commun interinstitutionnel s'oppose à toutes les mesures contenues dans la proposition de la Commission qui visent à affaiblir nos institutions. Elle propose des solutions qui tiennent compte des intérêts de toutes les catégories du personnel en évitant de les opposer les unes aux autres, tendances à l'œuvre du fait des réformes successives promues par nos dirigeants.

Les syndicats ont toujours défendu l'indépendance de la Fonction publique européenne. Cependant, la représentation du personnel est consciente de la nécessité de l'expression d'une solidarité supplémentaire volontaire. Elle a adapté ses contre-propositions en ce sens. Cette solidarité ne doit pas cependant emprunter la voie des fausses solutions qui sont à l'origine de la crise que nous connaissons aujourd’hui et qui inspirent un grand nombre de mesures contenues dans la proposition de réforme du Collège.

Monsieur le Président, la représentation du personnel, regroupée en front commun interinstitutionnel, vous demande de bien vouloir revenir sur l'interruption brutale et soudaine des négociations décidée par le vice-président en charge du personnel.

Nous pensons possible d'arriver dans un délai raisonnable à un compromis d'ensemble qui tienne compte des économies nécessaires, mais sans affaiblir l'institution, sans démotiver son personnel, sans laisser perdurer les effets néfastes de l'absence d'une politique ambitieuse du personnel, et qui intègre pleinement et à l'avance les souhaits du Parlement européen. L'adoption d'un tel paquet réforme commun nous permettra d'aller ensemble, la Commission et son personnel consulté, le présenter au Conseil, avec le soutien du Parlement européen.

L'ensemble des syndicats appelle le personnel à une Assemblée Générale interinstitutionnelle le Mercredi 9 novembre prochain. Notre souhait le plus cher est de pouvoir annoncer au personnel mobilisé la réouverture des négociations en vue de l'adoption d'un paquet commun.

Dans cette attente, nous vous prions, Monsieur le Président, de bien vouloir agréer l’expression de notre haute considération,

Les Présidents des OSP des Institutions européennes
(Signé)

The Vice-President responsible for reforming the Staff Regulations has decided suddenly to break off the current negotiations and is proposing to hold a final political coordination meeting, purely for show, on Monday 7 November. The pretext for so doing is that the Council is demanding that the ‘ reform ‘ package be presented at the same time as the proposal for application of the method – that is at the end of this year. How can the Vice-President possibly imagine that the staff will agree to increased precariousness and a weakening of the European civil service in exchange for thirty pieces of silver?

In so doing he is preventing current discussions on a compromise and, hence, the adoption of a package that we could defend together – the Commission and staff of all institutions – before the Council, with the support of our Parliament. This compromise path is the only realistic way we have of defending ourselves effectively. To refuse it is to show that the College is prepared to make more concessions to the Council, which will surely lead to a hardening of its proposal.

The united front of staff, representing all institutions, is against any measure contained in the Commission proposal that aims at a weakening of those institutions. We are proposing solutions that take account of the interests of all categories of staff, being careful not to bring them in conflict with one another, which is a tendency emerging from the successive reforms being proposed by those who govern us.

The unions have always defended an independent European civil service. However, the staff representatives are aware of the need to demonstrate a wish for increased solidarity. They have geared their counter-proposals to this need. But such solidarity should not tread the path of false solutions, which have led to the present-day crisis and are at the root of a good many of the measures contained in the College’s proposal for reform.

Mister President, the common front of staff representatives of all institutions is asking you to revoke the sudden and brutal interruption of negotiations, decided upon by the vice-president with special responsibility for personnel.

We are sure it is possible to reach a joint compromise within reasonable time – a compromise that will take account of necessary savings but without weakening the Institutions, without demotivating the staff, without allowing the nefarious effects of the lack of an ambitious staff policy to drag on and that could anticipate the European Parliament’s wishes. If we can adopt such a joint reform package, we can advance - we the Institutions and their duly consulted staff – and present it to the Council with support from the European Parliament.

All unions are calling the staff to an interinstitutional General Meeting next Wednesday, 9 November. Our dearest wish is to be able to tell the staff – which is mobilized – that negotiations have restarted in order to adopt a joint package.

In anticipation of which, we remain, Mister President,

Yours faithfully,

on behalf of all staff of the European Institutions,