SUEPO Elections Coming Up, Union Leaders at Europe's Second-Largest Institution (EPO) to be Determined Soon

posted by Roy Schestowitz on Jun 13, 2026

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin

The staff union of the European Patent Office (SUEPO) is having an election soon. Very soon. We have no intention of talking about individual people, including candidates. We do, however, want to illuminate the sorts of activities planned and spoken about by the union.

Last week some members were given an introduction and an outline of current union activities, including legal challenges. To quote:

Message from the Committee

Dear SUEPO member, dear colleague,

From 16 to 18 June, you will be called upon to vote in the Staff Representation elections, thereby granting a three-year mandate to the elected candidates. This electoral round is of particular importance, more so than previous ones. By supporting the SUEPO team you can strengthen the mandate of the representatives who have been leading the defence against the erosion of our employment conditions, through the ongoing industrial actions and legal challenges. And with 31 candidates for the 16 spots on the staff committee, your vote can make a decisive difference for our union.

Over the years, SUEPO has consistently been at the forefront of defending staff rights. This has only been made possible thanks to the steadfast support of its members, whose contributions have enabled the financing of numerous legal actions for the benefit of all staff. Crucially, this work depends on Staff Representatives backed by SUEPO, the only independent, financially robust staff union, occupying key positions, ensuring timely access to information and effective legal oversight.

Recent opinions of the Appeals Committee have underscored that only members of the General Consultative Committee (GCC) are in a position to challenge procedural shortcomings in major reforms. It is therefore essential to secure a strong presence of SUEPO representatives within the Staff Committee and therefore the GCC. This is indispensable to continue safeguarding staff rights and to ensure that the many ongoing legal cases* are not jeopardised.

To support the continuation of our strong actions, we invite you to cast all 16 of your votes for the candidates of the SUEPO team. Using your full allocation of votes is of paramount importance to maximise the overall voting average and to ensure the strongest possible representation.

We also encourage you to spread the message by inviting your colleagues to take part in the election and to support the SUEPO team.

Kind regards, your SUEPO TH committee

[..]

*Ongoing and Resolved Legal Cases

1. Salary Adjustment Procedure (SAP)
   At least 10 cases have been initiated over the years, backed by thousands of appellants. The principal case was successful at the Appeals Committee stage and is now being defended before the Tribunal. 

2. Pension Contribution Rate Increases
   Three cases (2018, 2020, and 2026) are currently ongoing. The 2018 and 2020 cases were successful at the Appeals Committee stage and are now pending before the Tribunal. 

3. Education & Childcare Allowance
   Approx. 30 distinct aspects of the reform are currently under challenge. Several significant outcomes have already been achieved: examination and administration fees are now fully reimbursed following successful cases, and specific issues concerning siblings and children with special needs have been resolved. 

4. Salary Savings Plan (SSP) – How the switch to BlackRock was managed
   This case is currently under consideration at the Appeals Committee stage. A favourable outcome would benefit all SSP participants for losses incurred during the switch and leading to better governance in the future. 

5. Fundamental rights
   Right to strike, mass email and freedom of associations were only reinstated at the Office thanks to several SUEPO legal cases won before the Tribunal. 

6. Recognition of Previous Professional Experience
   Several cases are ongoing, and a number of favourable decisions have already been obtained, including recognition of PhD and postdoctoral experience. 

7. Annual Rewards
   Around 45 cases have been successful before the Appeals Committee, resulting in positive outcomes such as step increases or promotions. Notably, the A1 to A2 promotion case was won, establishing the right to earlier career advancement for the colleagues concerned. 

8. Harassment and Discrimination
   Several complex cases are currently being pursued. These cases require significant resources and exemplify the Union’s commitment to solidarity and the protection of staff dignity. 

9. Non-Conversion of Fixed-Term Contracts into Permanent Contracts
   A number of cases are ongoing in this area. The situation is being closely monitored, with continued legal support provided where appropriate. 

10. Supporting improved rights for working parents
    Eligibility to parenthood leave (formally maternity leave) have been extended to additional parents thanks to legal cases supported by SUEPO, and a policy of breastfeeding leave has recently been introduced following a campaign. 

Only yesterday we mentioned the latest large strike (massive, measurable impact) and gathering for further action. Some time yesterday they added an "Activity Report of the SUEPO team within the LSCTH", enumerating accomplishments and aspirations. There's a shorter and quicker-to-digest version, which is more like a brochure:

A longer version, so to speak:

Please don't be offended that we blur faces and omit names; it's not so much about the individuals (to us, as externals), it is about outcomes, goals, and collective bargaining. We're sure that insiders already know who's who and who they can vote for. █