'Dark Patterns' or a Trap at the European Patent Office (EPO)
SOME hours ago the Central Staff Committee at the EPO cautioned staff not to reply to a likely insincere if not malicious E-mail from the EPO's dictators, who lead staff into a trap without making so obvious (as that would preclude it being a trap).
Mass email: “Your job profile has been updated”
Do not acknowledge at this stage to keep legal options open
Dear colleagues,
On 17 December 2024, all staff received an email with the subject:
"To all staff: Your job profile has been updated – access and acknowledge receipt in SuccessFactors."This email is an invitation to review your updated job profile and confirm you acknowledge by 31 January 2025. The Office even makes the doubtful statement that if no action is taken on your part, it will automatically be considered approved.
The Central Staff Committee (CSC) has concerns about potential legal issues with these updated profiles and the acknowledgement process.
The CSC's opinion on GCC/DOC 23/2024 outlines points that could potentially lead to legal issues in the future.
We strongly advise not acknowledging at this stage to keep legal options open.
Your solidarity and caution are appreciated.
"SuccessFactors" is just some proprietary thing from a Microsoft proxy in Germany (SAP). The EPO has already been outsourced to Microsoft and those two are integrated.
While much is Europe is fleeing to Free software the corrupt EPO is rushing into Microsoft's armpits and sending staff's confidential data to Donald Trump and President Musk (or President Gates) in the US. What an utter disgrace to science and technology in Europe. This is what happens when the C-suite allocates jobs for corruption instead of qualifications. █