Standing Concertation Committee - Ordinary Meeting on 3 September 2008

The main items discussed at the meeting of the Standing Concertation Committee on 3 September 2008 included:

Education fees: Indexation of the amounts for accommodation and meals

The Committee approved the indexation calculations for accommodation and meals for the academic year 2008-2009. With the indexation of the lump sum payments, accommodation costs for the academic year 2007-2008 will be reimbursed at 529 CHF per month (previously CHF 500). Meals will be reimbursed at 17.50 CHF per meal (unchanged). The ceiling for school transport has been increased from 600 CHF to 622 CHF.

Administrative Circular No. 26 (Rev. 8)

The Committee took note of the modifications to Administrative Circular No. 26 (Rev. 8) ‘Recognition of merit of staff members’, concerning provision for the award of exceptional advancement outside the annual advancement exercise to recognize, for example, the completion of a major project.

HR Survey

The Committee took note of the Head of HR Department’s announcement that a staff survey would be launched on matters such as the working environment, working relationships, etc., in early 2009 (see Bulletin of 8 and 15 September 2008, Official News).

Staff Association Survey & public meetings

The Committee also noted that the Staff Association will launch a survey in October 2008 to find out more about the personnel’s concerns on various subjects, in particular those related to the next five-yearly review of financial and social conditions.

In addition, the Association announced that it planned to hold a general meeting for the personnel on 23 September 2008 followed by public meetings in the departments.

2010 Five-yearly review of financial and social conditions of members of the personnel

The Committee took note of discussions between the Management and the Staff Association to prepare the next 5-yearly review of the financial and social conditions of members of the personnel. It was noted that the review data would be considered by a sub-group of the Committee. The review was scheduled to be completed in time for decisions by the CERN Council by the end of 2010 for implementation on 1 January 2011.

LHC achievement awards

The Committee noted that LHC achievement awards would be paid in October 2008 to eligible staff members. It was further noted that, in accordance with the Organization’s financial rules, no payments could be made to those who do not have a contract with CERN on 1 October 2008 or to those not on the payroll at that date.

CERN Nursery School

The Committee took note that the extension of the Nursery School was nearing completion and that it would accommodate a canteen and meet the increase in demand for places from users in the coming years. Safety regulations as well as a surface area which was larger than initially planned had caused some extra cost and the Staff Association expressed its appreciation of the Management’s contribution towards financing the project’s cost overrun.

CORRIGENDUM of the Standing Concertation Committee communiqué (ordinary meeting on 3 September 2008)

Please note that the information noted under “education fees” should have read: « With the indexation of the lump sum payments, accommodation costs for the academic year 2008-2009 will be reimbursed at 529 CHF per month (previously CHF 500) ».

by HR Department