The proposed review of the Annex to the Framework Agreement between the Council of the EU and the trade unions (OSPs) is driven by the need to adapt to staffing and workload changes since 2006. Key developments include the reduction in staff numbers, transformation of job roles, and increasing workload due to institutional changes and geopolitical complexity. Measures have already been implemented to manage this, such as reducing vacancies and reassigning staff.
The review aims to improve resource allocation while maintaining a strong social dialogue. It introduces a more flexible system of secondments for trade unions, limits the number of secondments, encourages mobility, and reflects modern working practices, such as ICT developments. The negotiation process saw both sides make concessions, with the administration increasing secondments and adjusting rules to ensure a fairer system.
Union Syndicale agreed to the compromise but expressed concerns over reductions in secondments, seeing them as disproportionate and harmful to the unions’ ability to meet staff needs. They also opposed time limits on secondments, arguing they violate labor rights and EU principles of equal treatment. Despite these reservations, the union accepted the agreement in solidarity with other GSC staff facing shortages.
