Sunil Kumar, Thanh Le, Sumeet Thakkar
"To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace." - Douglas Conant, Author and former Fortune 500 CEO
The EU’s proposed INTPA Regionalisation policy affecting over 100 EU Delegations, is a topic of global discussion. Hundreds of Local Agents (LA) could lose their jobs and livelihoods, as a result of such a policy. There are discussions to (re)assign/centralize Cooperation, Finance, and Contract Sections to create 18 Regional implementation hubs worldwide. The "firing" in non-hub Delegations will lead to the "hiring" in these hubs, with the added fear that new LA positions will offer fixed-term contracts only, flouting the EU Directive on fixed term contracts that has concrete measures to prevent abuse. External sources have indicated that up to 800 LA posts may be affected.
Any institution may need to restructure to ensure efficiency however, such reforms must be accompanied by a sound social dialogue process, involving exchanges between managers and staff. Staff representatives, trade unions and associations must be consulted. Any "fire and rehire" approaches, carry significant risks of (a) reputational damage and (b) lasting, negative impacts on staff relations.
Human Resource policies for LAs in EU Delegations lack vision despite the constant refrain that LAs are the backbone of EU DEL! LAs are being let go just as new LA recruitment continues in the same Delegation. Hundreds of experienced LAs who possess valuable institutional knowledge and corporate experience are likely to be dismissed without any consideration of how their expertise could be utilized in other areas. LAs may face departure with minimal severance payments and an increasingly uncertain future with inadequate medical coverage and little or no pension.
The short-sighted LA HR policy is in sharp contrast with the provisions for Officials that are enshrined in the Staff Regulations. The gap between the working conditions of expatriate staff and LAs is growing fast yet without LAs, the EU simply cannot deliver on its foreign policy goals!
LAs are once again in peril and at risk of losing their jobs and their livelihoods due to yet another reorganisation initiative despite having survived the WLAD, Optimus, ZBR and any number of other periodic assessments.
The EU must retain highly experienced LAs worldwide and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used well. Recruiting and training a replacement can cost at least twice the annual salary of the colleague who is being replaced. There are substantial costs to any restructuring.
Constant changes in policy and approach towards LAs are eroding staff trust over time. HR policies should focus on harnessing LA talent and in promoting well-being and stability, leading to a more professional and secure work environment. The EU as an employer must uphold the highest standards in all places of work and be an example to all.
LAs are the backbone, we rely on them and they deserve to be protected
LAs deserve more job security
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