STANDING CONCERTATION COMMITTEE ORDINARY MEETING ON 24 JANUARY 2001

This meeting was mainly devoted to follow-up from the meetings of the Finance Committee and Council in December 2000, as well as to the work planning of the SCC for 2001. The newly-appointed Chairman of SCC, J. van der Boon, welcomed the Director-General and members to this first meeting of the new year, underlining his objective of maintaining a positive climate of concertation in the best interests of the Organization and its personnel. The President of the Staff Association declared that the latter would actively pursue its role in the same spirit.

1. Follow-up from the meetings of the Finance Committee and Council in December 2000

The Director-General, underlining the positive outcome of the 5-yearly review, conveyed his thanks to all parties that had taken part and, in particular, to the Staff Association for its constructive contribution to reach the compromise accepted by the three parties. After discussion of decisions on the package of measures approved by Council last December and on related implementation aspects, the SCC agreed to draw up a detailed analysis of implications of the results, for discussion and review at its next meeting. The Committee agreed the texts of technical modifications to the Rules of the CERN Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) regarding contributions, taking note that the next edition of the CHIS Bulletin is to provide details on the provisions concerning Long-term Care. The SCC also confirmed its agreement on the implementation procedure of the new Saved Leave Scheme (available on the HR Division Web site).

2. Work planning of the SCC for 2001

The Committee had a first discussion of its work planning this year, including the terms of reference and membership of the three Sub-Groups on the implementation of the new career structure, career path descriptions, and a number of administrative and operational circulars. A schedule of regular reports to the SCC by various internal bodies is to be incorporated in the work schedule. The SCC also took note that four meetings of TREF have been scheduled to take place in April, May, September and November 2001.

3. Indefinite Contract Review procedure 2001

The SCC agreed on the text of this procedure that is to be submitted for approval by the Director-General. It was noted that the essential elements of the procedure used in 2000 are maintained and this is the last year when transitional arrangements from the previous procedure are required. On the more global issue of the Organization's employment contract policy, the Committee agreed to examine this question this later this year, after full implementation of measures resulting from the 5-yearly review.

4. Social and cultural activities

In response to a request by the Staff Association, it was agreed to review, at a later meeting, the support granted by the Organization for such activities, both in terms of subsidies and of possible improvements to premises and installations.

5. Membership of SCC and other internal bodies

The Chairman conveyed thanks, on behalf of the Committee, to K.-H. Kissler for his valuable contribution to the work of the SCC since his nomination by the Management in 1993. His mandate has now come to an end and his replacement will be announced at the next meeting. The Staff Association also indicated that changes to its representation will be announced at the next meeting. The Chairman then indicated new membership of various other internal bodies, which will be published in due course.

The next ordinary meeting of the SCC is to be held on 14 February 2001.