Housing allowance, creation of an Office

Let's negotiate the terms of solutions and promote the social dialogue

 

We see a housing allowance as a favourable option to meet some of the expectations of staff assigned to Luxembourg. 

U4U defends firstly a housing allowance that would represent a fixed amount of about 650 EUR, for all colleagues living in Luxembourg, whether the house is rented or being purchased. 

 

The six foundations behind this proposal:

  1.   A solid basis

This proposal is based on a study carried out by the Commission itself, which indisputably establishes that the price of housing in Luxembourg is 50% higher than in Brussels.  The necessity of this allowance is no longer to be demonstrated, it is its implementation that must be negotiated.

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  2.   Staff unity again and again

For U4U the unity of the staff is a major objective. In order to achieve our objectives we must fight together on common demands and not against each other. 

 

  3.   A solidary basis 

It should be noted that this same amount for the entire staff represents a different proportion of each person's salary.  Thus, 650 euros in relation to an entry-level salary can represent up to 35% of this salary, whereas for a more senior colleague this same amount would represent less than 10% of his or her salary.  It should also be noted that since the tax is proportional, the final amount of the housing allowance will be lower for higher salaries.

 

  4.   At the negotiating table 

Following the results of the current elections to the staff committee, the U4U representatives will have a strong argument with this proposal.  Yes, we can discuss with the Administration the amount, the duration, a periodic adjustment, etc., because we are finally opening the way to a social agreement, here and now.  Our elected representatives are committed to doing so!

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  5.   Protection of our acquired rights

Because the introduction of a new correction coefficient for Luxembourg has been promised by some as the only solution to the attractiveness of Luxembourg, no concrete steps have been taken so far to benefit the staff.

The lack of unity among the trade unions has not been beneficial to the staff. 

This new correction coefficient requires the opening up of the Staff Regulations, which would be detrimental to the staff in the current context.  Even if the Staff Regulations were opened up, would this new correction coefficient be guaranteed?  Of course not, and you know it! On the other hand, it would certainly be an opportunity to undermine acquired rights.  It is astonishing to see that this approach continues to be advanced.

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  6.   Beyond slogans, let's dare to think

We all like to read and hear what makes us happy right away, reassuringly tailor-made. You will certainly read and hear it.

In a fixed amount for all staff concerned as a housing allowance, there is a step forward, sustainability, credibility, a return to social dialogue, a benefit for all.

 

Secondly, U4U defends the creation of a "Logistics Office" in the European Parliament, following the example of the European Commission, in order to correct the low salaries and career prospects of an essential and important part of the staff.

This structure would bring together most of the contract staff - security guards, drivers, technicians, ushers - who would be eligible for permanent contracts at all grades.  This would not only make it possible to reclassify certain functions currently performed by CAs in GFI, for example, to GFII, which would be more in line with the service provided to the institution, but would also allow for better career prospects by organising tests to move from Function Group to IV.  This request does not require a change in the Staff Regulations.

 

Once again, staff unity is the basis for achieving this objective.