Battistelli, Topić and Bergot
WE recently wrote about how EPO management was silencing staff representatives like it had silenced the union (not quite the same thing). With rumours about layoffs the censorship at the EPO appears to have escalated even further.
Mr Joachim Michels Chairman of the Central Staff Committee
By email: centralSTCOM@epo.org
[from]
European Patent Office 80298 Munich Germany
PD 4.3 Human Resources
Elodie Berget Principal Director
Tel. +49 (0)89 2399 ● 4300 ebergot@epo.org
Date: 21.02.2018
Your request dated 19 February 2018 to upload an article on the CSC intranet page
Dear Mr Michels,
Reference is made to your request dated 19 February 2018 to upload an article on the CSC intranet page entitled "Human resources Management - new(s)". I note that copies of the document in question have already been distributed following the LSC General Assembly in The Hague.
First, I would like to recall that the Office expressly acknowledges the large freedom of expression the staff representatives enjoy. Staff representatives might comment, question and criticize reforms, reorganisations and social policies. It is however noted that the proposed publication contains not only inaccurate but also offensive and if not defamatory statements against managers and colleagues. The strong accusations related notably to a supposed lack of ethics, bias, arbitrariness, violation of duty of care, undue pressure and lack of humanity cannot be accepted and are considered to be unfair attacks against the professionalism and the dignity of individuals. Additionally, despite a previous reminder, the CSC is again relaying information to all staff concerning an employee's personal situation, which should, as such, be treated with confidentiality.
In this respect, it is recalled that according to the rules, staff representatives shall represent the interests of all staff and maintain suitable contacts with the Administration. It shall also contribute to the smooth running of the service by providing a channel for the expression of opinion.
However, far from defending the interest of the staff, this kind of publication coupled with the anonymous report circulated by staff representatives regarding the working group on modernisation of the employment framework generate suspicion and unjustified disquiet among staff. This is even more so regrettable that, in fact, the discussions within the Working Group were quite constructive and allowed a serious exchange of views.
Consequently, and in view of the above, you might wish to review the content of the proposed publication and delete or modify the parts that are offensive to individuals. Please inform accordingly Internal communication services. Finally, EPO management and myself remain willing to discuss the content of this communication with staff representation. In the meantime, however, the CSC is requested to abstain from spreading this communication further within other fora (internal and external).
Yours sincerely,
Elodie Bergot Principal Director Human Resources