EPO Staff Representation Lacks Social Dialogue With Relevant Management, Controversial and Sometimes Illegal Policies Implemented Without Necessary Input
The Committee insists on the Rule of Law
The Central Staff Committee at the EPO recently mentioned the General Consultative Committee (GCC) meeting, which finally took place last week. The Staff Representation generally tried to contact António Campinos, who hides behind his friends (nepotism, not colleagues but buddies), just like Benoît Battistelli did. The following was circulated among staff before the GCC meeting:
Open letter to the President to have a GCC agenda pointDear Colleagues,
It has been a long-standing request of the Staff Representation to be provided with formal social dialogue channel on matter related to DG1 staff and operations.
On 10 June 2025, the Central Staff Committee (CSC) has sent two open letters with questions about matters related to DG1 staff and their work-related issues (ref. sc25035cl and sc25036cl). The administration has expressed in the recent past its discontent about communication via letters to directors. Yet no formal channel exists for the CSC to raise questions to DG1 higher management. The CSC also favours an open verbal and direct dialogue.
In this open letter, the CSC requests that the President submits an agenda item in the next available General Consultative Committee (GCC) meeting on setting up regular meetings between the CSC and the higher management of DG1.
The letter itself is dated about 3 weeks ago:
European Patent Office
80298 Munich
GermanyCentral Staff Committee
Comité central du personnel
Zentraler PersonalausschusscentralSTCOM@epo.org
Reference: sc25054cl
Date: 25/09/2025
European Patent Office | 80298 MUNICH | GERMANY
To: Mr António Campinos (President of the Office)By email:
To: president@epo.orgOPEN LETTER
Request for a GCC agenda point on setting up a Social Dialogue with DG1
Dear Mr President,
It has been a long-standing request of the Staff Representation to be provided with formal social dialogue channel on matter related to DG1 staff and operations.
Ahead of the GCC meeting on Monday 15 September an AOB was submitted for that request. The Chair of the GCC has determined that an AOB point is not suitable for any reply, so a request was submitted by the CSC Chair during the meeting for a corresponding regular agenda point in the next GCC.
On 10 June 2025 the CSC has sent two open letters with questions about matters related to DG1 staff and their work-related issues (ref. sc25035cl and sc25036cl). The administration had expressed in the recent past its discontent about communication via letters to directors. Yet no formal channel exists for the CSC to raise questions to DG1 higher management. The CSC also favours an open verbal and direct dialogue.
The CSC herewith requests, in accordance with Art. 36(2)b) and 38(2) ServRegs, that you submit an agenda item in the next available GCC meeting on setting up regular meetings between the CSC and the higher management of DG1.
Sincerely yours,
Derek Kelly
Chairman of the Central Staff Committee
Was the Chairman listened to? Stay tuned for tomorrow. █