Update on pay cut and ICSC reform | Informations mises à jour sur les coupures salariales et la réforme de la CFPI

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Published on Thursday, 19 July 2018 09:30

In June, the second part of the pay cut was implemented bringing the total cut since February to 5.2 percent. It was regrettable that those cuts were done based on erroneous calculations as shown in this analysis by the Geneva-based organizations.
 
You will recall that the initial pay cut was 7.7 percent. However, your actions, which included general staff meetings, demonstrations, work stoppages and two strikes, led to a reduction in the pay cut to 5.2 percent. They also led our employing organizations to understand the importance of reforming the way in which our conditions of service are set by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). As a result, the ICSC has now agreed to review its working methods together with staff federations and the CEB. We will monitor this process closely knowing that our final goal is a system that allows tripartite participation. At our suggestion, the ICSC has also agreed to an in-depth review of the post adjustment system in lights of the problems raised.
 
At the same time we should recall that 800 staff have submitted legal appeals against the cuts. The legal process is ongoing and we will continue to inform you of progress.
 
As part of the campaign for ICSC reform, we have produced “ICSC Reform” pins which will soon be distributed. Please wear them to show your solidarity.

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UN Theatre Club - 2018-2019 registrations | Club de Théâtre de l'ONU - Inscriptions pour 2018-2019

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Published on Wednesday, 18 July 2018 09:24

"There is nothing as pointless, superficial, vain, and as vital, as theatre.” (L. Jouvet).

Join our Club to have fun and and release the artist within!

Dear colleagues,

The United Nations Theatre Club in Geneva opens the registration for the year 2018-2019. As the number of members as well as the requests to participate in various cultural events have substantially increased over the last years, the Club intends to expand its range of activities for 2018-2019 and offers two formulas:

1.     The “Workshop” formula (1h 30 per week) welcomes anyone willing to discover theatre or work, among other things, on acting and vocal skills, body language, or improvisation. At the end of the cycle, participants are given the opportunity to perform a short play and/or an improvisation show. 

2.     The “Show” formula (3h per week) is intended for people who already have some acting experience and can engage more fully in producing a play, that will be performed at the end of the term and requiring commitment over a longer period as well as rehearsals in the evenings and during some weekends.

Should you wish to join the Club, please fill in this online pre-registration form before 16 August 2018. The information you enter will help refine them further, especially in terms of content and schedule. As the number of participants is limited, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will be confirmed with the payment of the membership fee (around 300 CHF per quarter), at the beginning of the cycle.

The club is also looking for volunteers to provide logistical support to the shows: costumes, decor, music makeup, videos etc. all artistic skills are welcome!
 
If you have talents to share or any question about the Club or the pre-registration process, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
 
Also, to be informed on our next shows, feel free to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or like our Facebook page Theatre au Palais.
 
See you soon.

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UN Appeals Tribunal overturns staff rights + campaign to reform the ICSC | Le Tribunal d’appel des Nations Unies écrase les droits des fonctionnaires & Campagne pour la réforme de la CFPI

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Published on Friday, 06 July 2018 14:35

As you may be aware, the UN Appeals Tribunal last week ruled that the Secretary-General had been correct in deciding to cut the pay of staff with children and working spouses by up to 4 percent. In doing so, it rejected an earlier judgement of the lower UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT/2017/098) and decided that General Assembly resolutions, however radical, trumped the labour rights of staff.
 
While this related to the 2016 compensation review of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) rather than the Geneva pay cut, the judgement is nevertheless sobering and calls into question the impartiality of the UN Appeals Tribunal, which as you may know is composed of part-time judges paid according to the number of judgements they process, and almost always finds against staff.
 
The shortcomings of the UN Appeals Tribunal show once again the urgency of reforming the system that sets our conditions of service; a system that gives staff unions and federations little say; a system that also led to the5.1 percent pay cut in Geneva on the basis of incorrect calculations made by the ICSC and larger pay cuts elsewhere.
 
As part of our campaign for ICSC reform the Staff Council has produced ICSC Reform pins (see picture below). They will be distributed to all staff in the coming weeks and we call on you to wear them.

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Latin party at the UN beach this Friday | Fête latino à la plage de l'ONU ce vendredi

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Published on Wednesday, 04 July 2018 19:22

With Geneva now in tropical mode, and on behalf of the UN Port Committee, please join us at the Beach this Friday 6 July for a special Latin party!
 
DJ Jorge Valencia (who played last year) will keep you dancing until midnight with your favourite hits from Cartagena, Santo Domingo, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Miami, Caracas and elsewhere.
 
Bring your friends and family, and come early to swim, paddleboard, watch the game, or to simply soak up the sun in our new sunloungers.
 
See you this Friday.

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