79th FICSA Council – February 2026 – UNGSC in Brindisi
Two representatives of the CERN Staff Association took part in the 79th FICSA Council, held at the United Nations Global Service Center in Brindisi (UNGSC). This annual meeting, which took place at the end of February this year, aims to define the orientations of the Federation’s Executive Committee for the year ahead, as well as to elect key positions and “regional representatives.” As an associate member for more than 20 years, the CERN Association closely follows discussions on the employment conditions of international civil servants.
The Council, which runs over one week, devotes a large part of its work to the eight standing committees. A standing committee reserved for heads of delegation also meets to discuss FICSA’s strategy, budget, and administration, in order to propose broad orientations to the Council in the context of defending the rights of international civil servants. The federations CCSUIA and UNISERV, which bring together several staff associations from UN organizations, also take part in the discussions. FICSA remains the only federation open to associate members.
The standing committees play a central role by enabling the dissemination of information, discussion of general themes or specific topics, and the formulation of recommendations adopted in plenary which, if approved, will set the course of action for the Federation’s Executive Committee.
The standing committees are also an opportunity to gain insight into pressing issues being discussed with the management of organizations or planned for future discussions. As an associate member, the CERN Staff Association actively participates in these standing committees by presenting key points relevant to the members of the personnel of our organization.
They notably cover relations between staff representatives and administrations (SMR), human resources management (HRM), issues related to social protection, health insurance and pensions (SOCSEC), legal matters (LEGAL), and remuneration for local and international staff (GSQ/PSA).
Among the major topics addressed this year were the methodology of surveys related to the reform of compensation and post adjustment allowances for professional staff, the adjustment of local staff salaries in response to inflation, and the consequences of exchange rate fluctuations. These discussions follow judgments won at the ILOAT by ILO staff concerning post adjustment in Geneva.
The Chair of the 5th Commission (ICSC), together with a Vice-Chair and technical specialists, respond to listen to the questions and concerns of delegates and attempt to provide answers. Very often, diplomatic language is used, which does not fully convince staff representatives.
Another important topic regularly discussed in the SOCSEC standing committee is “well-being at work,” including burnout, as well as diversity and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The HRM committee examined the impact of artificial intelligence in UN agencies, raising concerns related to confidentiality, intellectual property, and the potential replacement of staff.
The LEGAL committee continues its work on establishing professional legal assistance that could be offered to staff associations within the Federation at a reasonable cost, which has become essential in a context of budget cuts in several major UN organizations, leading to job reductions and an increased need for legal support.
FICSA’s financial situation was also intensively discussed, as associations face growing difficulties in paying their contributions. Alternative funding options will be explored in 2026, with regular consultation of heads of delegation.
After 26 years as an associate member of the Federation, one can only acknowledge the importance of exchanging and coming together within federations that make it possible to have a collective voice heard in the decision-making circles of international organizations. Through FICSA, it becomes clear that the issues raised are often shared, and that each staff association is not alone in facing its challenges; it can find support through FICSA’s permanent secretariat, which will also relay information and questions throughout the year while providing advice and expertise built over many years.
