Standing Concertation Committee - Ordinary Meeting on 16 February 2005

Original: English

This meeting was devoted to the main topics summarised below.

1- MAPS

The SCC took note of the numerical results of the 2004 MAPS exercise and agreed to examine a related analysis to be prepared along the same lines as those concerning the 2002 and 2003 exercises, since the introduction of MAPS. The Committee also took note of the numerical guidelines for the 2005 exercise and, in particular, of the increased allocation for periodic steps due to increased recruitment last year and demographic factors. These guidelines for 2005 will now be finalised, subject to establishing the number of additional steps that may possibly be awarded as a transitional measure.

2- Discussion on New Contract Policy

The SCC held a first discussion based on an outline presented by the Management of possible approaches for a new staff contract policy. In substance, the Committee agrees that an improved and simplified policy is needed but, at this stage, there are different opinions on some of the concepts involved. A proposal containing more detailed information will be drawn up for further discussion at the SCC.

3- 5-Yearly Review

The SCC took note of a revised planning of agenda items of SCC and TREF meetings up to September 2005, including dates of TREF meetings which have now been confirmed.

Progress Reports by Study Teams

The Committee then discussed progress reports by the study team working on two topics under examination in the current 5-Yearly Review, namely: the statutory definition of family and spouse, and maternity/parental leave and related benefits.

The Staff Association recalled its declaration to TREF in March last year proposing to follow provisions introduced by the European Commission, based on recent studies conducted in EU Member States. The Staff Association also proposes that an important theme in CERN's present review should be to improve family policy issues, in the broad sense of the term.

Taking account of comments made during this discussion, the Chairman concluded that, subject to further verification, completion of the comparative information and related cost estimates, the study teams' presentation would be submitted to Directorate and Executive Board. As planned, these topics would be rediscussed at the SCC on 11 March, with a view to preparing first documents for the meeting of TREF on 4&5 April.

On a point of clarification, the Chairman stated that, at TREF in April, the aim is to provide information which will serve as a basis for discussion. Any views or positions expressed will remain subject to completing the examination of the full set of conditions studied in the 5-Yearly Review, which will ultimately be presented in the Management's report containing formal proposals later in the year.

Status of the Data Collection Enquiry

The SCC also took note of the status of salary information from the data collection enquiry concerning comparator organizations/employers, most of which is in the process of being verified and completed.

4- Entrance Gates C and E to the Meyrin site

The Committee commented on a proposal which is now under discussion regarding the use of Entrance Gates C and E. A decision on this matter and any changes to present provisions will be announced as soon as possible.

The next ordinary meeting of the SCC is to be held on 2 March 2005.