The EPO is Nowadays Trying to Trick Staff Into Settling Instead of Solving the Underlying Problems of Corruption and Injustice
THE EPO set aside millions of euros to battle its own staff in court. That sent the wrong message to staff. Now they try another approach, based on this new publication from the union (SUEPO). Here's the PDF version as circulated under a week ago:
A similar but not identical version of the above (for GemText and text bulletins too):
Please contact us in case of settlement
Dear members, dear colleagues,
The EPO claims to be striving to reduce litigation[1] and “remains open to explore amicable solutions at every stage of the dispute resolution process, and particularly so for the long-standing cases in the Tribunal’s backlog. Staff wishing to discuss amicable resolution of their cases may contact settlements@epo.org.”
We have observed a recent flurry of calls for settlement by the EPO and sometimes also by members of the Appeals Committee.
In case you are invited to such discussions or consider initiating a settlement:
we kindly request that you inform us, and
strongly recommend that you be accompanied by a SUEPO committee member, a staff representative or even a lawyer.
SUEPO committee members have experience in such discussions and are well placed to guide you through the process. Our involvement in other settlement negotiations allows us to give you advice based on the outcomes of similar cases. And by informing us, you help us gain a complete overview of the various scenarios and possibilities.
[...] Kind regards,
Your SUEPO TH committee – M18B10 and De Bruyn Kopsstraat, 15, Rijswijk
[...]
[1] See “Exchanges with Staff Representation on ILOAT”, EPO Intranet, 13.6.2024
This seems like a classic case of "divide-and-rule" or using misled/weak people to harm the whole group (or "the village"). Collective bargaining and coordinated action is very important here. Do not compromise the group (collective harm) for personal comfort. This isn't about 'tribes' or 'herds' thinking alike; it's about exercising collective control for better outcomes. █