THE STAFF ASSOCIATION'S INTERNAL COMMISSIONS A source of innovative ideas
In the heart of the Staff Association, internal commissions carry out preparatory work which is indispensable for productive discussions in Staff Council and Executive Committee meetings. These working groups, composed of staff delegates and interested staff members, are think tanks for all subjects in the area assigned to them.
Five commissions are active in 2010 :
- The “In-Form-Action” Commission develops a communication strategy (Information), organizes staff mobilization and action (Action) and promotes delegate training (Formation [training]), in order to enhance, support and professionalize the activities of the Staff Association.
- The Commission for “Employment Conditions” deals with remuneration, the advancement system, working hours, recruitment, and retention, among other things. It gives its opinion on proposals by the Management or elaborates its own proposals.
- The Commission for “Health and Safety” examines all aspects of health and safety at work. It ensures the link with all bodies in charge of these matters at CERN. Safety at CERN is everybody’s business and is an integral part of our daily work. Are we really aware of this? The Commission actively works on increasing awareness.
- The Commission for “Social Security” focuses its work on the CERN health insurance scheme (CHIS). It discusses the problems encountered in the running of the CHIS and, in close collaboration with the representatives of the “employee” college (active and retired staff members) on the CHIS Board, makes suggestions for changes to the Scheme.
- The Commission for “Pensions” follows the evolution of the management of the CERN Pension Fund in close collaboration with the representatives of the “employee” college (active and retired staff members) on the Pension Fund Governing Board (PFGB). It studies the texts discussed at the PFGB meetings, in order to properly understand the stakes involved, and then draws up proposals which will be defended by the representatives of the “employee” college on the PFGB.
In ECHO this summer, each of these commissions will have the opportunity to present itself in more detail, starting in this issue with the “In-Form-Action” Commission.