Staff Union of the European Patent Office (SUEPO) Election Ending Today
In one hour (CET)
TODAY (our birthday) we begin publishing a bunch of EPO leaks or publications that are based on internal EPO affairs [1, 2]. First of all, here is a time-sensitive or time-critical update:
Rijswijk, 1 November 2024
su24013hpImportant Information for the Upcoming SUEPO Committee Election
Dear Members,
As we approach the SUEPO Committee Election on Monday, November 4th, we would like to share some essential details about the voting process.
On Monday morning, you will receive an email from BigPulse containing a secure link to your voting slip, sent directly to the private email address you provided for SUEPO communications. You can confidently use this link to cast your vote, as in previous elections.
Please note that EPO currently has restricted access to BigPulse, so access via your work computer may not be possible. If you have not received the email by noon on Monday, please check your spam folder first. If it’s still missing, contact us at [redacted due to spam] for prompt assistance.
Election Committee Verification and Assistance
The Election Committee will be overseeing the following:
1. Confirming your SUEPO membership fee payment for 2024.
2. Verifying your private email address for receiving election communications.
3. Offering assistance if issues arise, such as reissuing the invitation email or facilitating payment if necessary.Note: Paper voting is no longer available, and all voting will be conducted electronically.
Key Election Details
- Voting period: Monday, November 4th, 8:00 a.m. to Thursday, November 7th, 12:00 midday
Your vote is essential! The SUEPO Annual General Meeting has allocated seven seats on the Committee for 2024. The seven candidates with the most votes will be elected. You may allocate up to 7 votes among candidates, as reflected in the online voting interface.
Empower Your Voice, Shape Our Future
Vote for your Union Representatives—your participation strengthens our democracy.
Warm regards,
The Electoral Committee
A. Wansing, P. Sevillano Rodriguez, A. Zanna, C. Rossi, G. Rutsch, R. Righetti (Chair)
A few weeks ago the Local Staff Committee The Hague (LSCTH; same location, some of the same people too) spoke about staff being compelled to illegally grant European Patents, including European software patents - i.e. patents which are both illegal and undesirable. Staff representatives try to resist this. But will anyone listen? EU? Hello? Anyone there? Mr. Breton's likely successor is a booster of the UPC, i.e. promoter of the same illegality (led by fellow Frenchmen Benoît Battistelli and António Campinos).
Make sure to vote for courageous candidates interested in fixing the mess, not exacerbating it (with snitch and yellow unionism). The Electoral Committee announced the election period thusly:
SUEPO Executive Committee Election - Voting Starts TODAY, Nov 4 at 8:00 a.m.
The voting poll is officially OPEN - Cast Your Vote Today!
Dear Members,
TODAY on Monday, November 4, at 8:00 a.m., you received an email from BigPulse with a secure link to vote in the SUEPO elections. Use this link to cast your vote electronically, as paper voting is no longer available.
Voting Period:
Opens: Monday, November 4, 8:00 a.m.
Closes: Thursday, November 7, 12:00 midday
Seven Committee seats are up for election. If you don’t receive the email by noon on Monday, check your spam folder or contact us at [redacted].
For full election details, please read the announcement here.
Make your voice heard—vote for your Union Representatives!
Warm regards,
The Electoral Committee
So vote. Just over an hour is left. It'll make a difference and help keep splinter groups out (those who shamelessly threaten to invoke the notorious Investigative Unit against colleagues and their families). █