Standing concertation commmittee

MEETINGS ON 2 AND 9 DECEMBER 2008

The main items discussed at the meetings of the Standing Concertation Committee on 2 and 9 December 2008 included:

Medical Service Report 2007

The Committee took note of the report by Dr. E. Reymond (see http://sc-me.web.cern.ch/sc-me/fr/indexFR.htm) and of a number of points raised during the discussion. It was noted that the number of professional accidents declined in 2007 (361 accidents) in comparison with 2006 (483), as well as their gravity and frequency. The CERN Medical Service carried out a study on cancer prevalence (number of cases) and incidence (new cases per year per 100000 people), between 1993 and 2007, which identified some prostate, breast and colorectal cancers, though less than in the two Host States. Specific preventive actions will be promoted by the CERN CHISboard and the Medical Service in this context as well as in other areas.

The committee expressed its thanks to all members of the Medical Service for their work in 2007 and over the past year.

Restaurants Supervisory Committee Report

The Committee took note of the report by the Chairman of the Restaurants Supervisory Committee (RSC), T. Lagrange. In particular, it was recorded that:

  • plans were under consideration to extend the seating capacity of Restaurant No. 1;
  • a small refurbishment is being discussed for Restaurant No. 2;
  • discussions were under way concerning refurbishment of Restaurant No. 3.

During the discussion the Committee thanked the RSC members for their work over the past year.

Preparation of Merit Appraisal and Recognition Scheme (MARS 2009)

The Committee took note of the timetable for the 2009 MARS exercise and in particular that:

  • MARS forms will be available in EDH from 5 January 2009 – the new form will be presented in three information sessions (Bulletin No. 5/2009);
  • Annual interviews are to be completed by 20 March 2009;
  • Appraisal forms are to be signed by group leaders and available to staff members by 20 April 2009.

To take account of restructuring, for staff whose hierarchy changes at the beginning of 2009, the appraisal form will be routed to:

  • the 2008 supervisor for performance evaluation of 2008
  • the 2009 supervisor for objectives in 2009
  • the 2008 group leader for performance assessment of 2008
  • the 2009 group leader to approve 2009 objectives and to take note of 2008 evaluation and assessment.

Progressive Retirement Programme

The Committee agreed to recommend the extension of the Progressive Retirement Programme by one year, i.e. until 31 March 2010.

Short-term Saved Leave Scheme

The Committee took note that the procedure to modify participation in the Short-term Saved Leave Scheme had been in place since mid-October. A total of 98 requests for new participation, modification or withdrawal had been registered, all submitted by individual staff members rather than departmental hierarchies. The number of staff participating in 2009 would remain stable in comparison with 2008 (approx. 660 staff).

Administrative Circular No. 23 (Rev. 2) Special Working Hours

The Committee agreed to recommend Administrative Circular No. 23 (Rev. 2), Special Working Hours, to the Director-General for approval. The circular covers compensation or remuneration, where applicable, for stand-by duty and shift work as well as overtime, official holiday work or equivalent, Sunday work and night work.

It was agreed that a few outstanding practical issues would be dealt with early in 2009, requiring changes to the Staff Rules and Regulations.

The Committee also took note of the associated Frequently Asked Questions.

by HR Department