EPO Management Already Breaks Its Own Promise (Lie) on "Bringing Teams Together"
The EPO's Local Staff Committee Munich has just circulated among staff a message to say: "In its announcement of 9 July 2025, the Office has decided - without any consultation with the staff representation - to abolish all allocated workspaces in the Isar Building for more than two years. This unilateral decision breaks the commitment that allocated offices would continue to be provided, made by the Office to all staff during the introduction of Bringing Teams Together. Alternative solutions are possible. For example, a portion of the affected staff could be relocated to the PschorrHöfe complex. Entire floors (6–8) in PH 1 to 4 remain unused, and PH 7 has stood empty for years. We urge the Office to reconsider and to work constructively with staff representation to identify practical alternatives that respect staff needs and honour the commitments made."
For those who do not know what "Bringing Teams Together" is (or was):
- “Bringing Teams Together” at the EPO Means Exactly the Opposite
- BTT (Bringing Teams Together) Loathed by Staff of the EPO
- "Bringing Teams Together" (BTT) Basically Sabotaged the Workplace at the European Patent Office
- Bringing Teams Together (BTT) at the European Patent Office Loathed by the Staff, Based on Internal Survey
- The EPO's Central Staff Committee (CSC) on New Ways of Working (NWoW) and “Bringing Teams Together” (BTT)
António Campinos is destroying the workplace while destroying the spirit of the staff and breaking many laws. It's just Benoît Battistelli number two.
Here's the full publication from the Local Staff Committee Munich:
Örtlicher Personalausschuss München Innenstadt, Haar und Brüssel
Local Staff Committee Munich City, Haar and Brussels
Le Comité local du Personnel de Munich Ville, Haar et BruxellesMunich, 10-07-2025
sc25006mpCommitment broken
All Allocated Offices Abolished in the Isar BuildingDear colleagues,
Regarding the announcement: “Two-year renovation of the ISAR building starting in 2025.”
While we fully support any construction measures aimed at improving the working environment, we are dismayed that the Office has decided - without any consultation with the staff representation - to abolish all allocated workspaces in the Isar Building for more than two years.
This unilateral decision breaks the commitment that allocated offices would continue to be provided, made by the Office to all staff during the introduction of Bringing Teams Together.
Allocated offices are not a luxury, but an essential part of a healthy work environment. They provide a stable, personalized, and ergonomic space that supports focus, continuity, and a sense of belonging. Their removal disrupts routines, undermines motivation, reduces productivity, and sends a clear signal that staff working conditions are not a priority for the Office.
The Local Staff Committee Munich was only informed one day prior to the official announcement of 9 July.
Despite having a scheduled meeting with the site manager just two weeks earlier, no mention of the project was made. Proper consultation with the Local Staff Committee and LOHSEC should have taken place.
When asked, the administration confirmed that staff with allocated offices would regain them after the renovation - but refused to issue a formal statement.
We also raised concerns about storage. The current lockers will be replaced with smaller ones, effectively requiring staff to take home their personal office equipment.
We call on the Office to find alternative solutions. For example, a portion of the affected staff could be relocated to the PschorrHöfe complex. Entire floors (6–8) in PH 1 to 4 remain unused, and PH 7 has stood empty for years.
It is deeply regrettable that no consultation was carried out. Early involvement of staff representation could have led to more balanced and workable solutions. We urge the Office to reconsider and to work constructively with staff representation to identify practical alternatives that respect staff needs and honour the commitments made.
The Local Staff Committee Munich
This gut-punching move happened just 2 days ago. █