12.28.17
Raw: Bergot and Topić Sent Threats to Hundreds of EPO Staff as Far Back as Half a Decade Ago
Summary: As little as a few months after Topić had been brought to the EPO (along with the incredible promotion to grade A6 of the wife of Battistelli’s longtime colleague) a campaign of intimidation began at the EPO
Date: 08.10.2013
Meeting with the President on 10 October 2013
Dear Mr Battistelli,
An overwhelming majority of Staff has voted in favour of the strikes, as called for in the LIFER initiative. You have now published the relevant information on intranet. In case this is not already being organized, we take the liberty of reminding you to activate the online DG4 strike registration, too.
The CSC, and the local Staff Committees, were not responsible for the LIFER initiative. We have only seen it as our duty under Art. 34 to channel to you the concerns of staff, and forward to you the letter of the LIFERs (whose call for strike has been supported by 4181 staff, i.e. more than 90% of the voters).
Please understand that neither the CSC nor any of the local Staff Committees have a mandate to represent the LIFER people in this matter. Contrary to what you state, we did not “propose to represent the staff in leading the actions related to the strike”. We have to decline any negotiating role on behalf of LIFER, but we will continue to do our best to contribute to the smooth running of the office, as is our duty under Art. 34.
It will not have escaped your attention that the LIFER claims overlap with those of an independent union, SUEPO. This is not a coincidence: it is a clear expression of a problem. The CSC itself has attempted on several occasions to address the matter with you (in particular in respect of free
The CSC cannot speak for LIFERs or represent independent Unions, but on behalf of the EPO staff we would be willing to exchange views on the problems underlying the staff discontent, which has attained a level unprecedented in the history of the EPO. Be aware, though, that
discussing with us will not mean that the LIFER claims are met, and that Staff will no longer have cause to strike. If you want to avoid strikes, you have to meet all of their claims. Previous actions have been called by SUEPO and their termination would have to be negotiated with SUEPO.
We note your invitation to a meeting on 10 October. Questions of representation aside, we remind you that it is impossible for us to discuss serenely and freely as long as threats of disciplinary actions sent to hundreds of staff (letters of Ms Bergot of 9.7.2013) and staff representatives (letters of Mr Topic 19.7.2013) are not withdrawn, and that normal communication channels between staff and their elected representatives are resumed (cf. our three last letters to you).
Does your invitation mean that you grant these requests? We look forward to your confirmation so that we can make the necessary arrangements to meet you. As soon as we have your confirmation, we will send you the list of the participants.
Yours sincerely,
[omitted]
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