STU/66th Council/15/007
24 February 2015
We need you!
Following the survey we conducted during the period from 18 December 2014 to 16 January 2015, we have studied your answers and comments with great interest. We thank the many who responded to the survey.
You believe in a strong Association to defend your rights and your conditions of work at UNESCO, and we are delighted. However, a union’s strength is closely linked to the number of its members , and the more who join us, the better the chance that your voice will be heard by the Administration and by the Member States. We need to defend the rights and interests of all the staff, including interns, consultants and those on temporary contracts, on a daily basis.
As you note, associations are very useful and must keep working for the common good. You think you have been sufficiently informed about our actions, but we understand we have to communicate more effectively. Furthermore, together , we can ensure an improvement in our working methods, and re- focus our types of action. We have understood your reluctance, your doubts, your questioning; we will try our best to clarify and answer your questions.
Our colleagues from the Field often feel abandoned. We call upon them to designate a STU focal point in their Office, because nothing is more effective than a local presence. We can certainly help them in this matter and we will always stand by them in defense of their rights.
2014 was an intense year. We faced a reorganization unlike any the Organization has carried out in the past. Staff members have been burdened, discouraged, overworked. Together we have met your expectations, as far as possible, even if we could not avoid the departure of 7 colleagues. We still have to face a number of burning issues. We should bear in mind that in 2015 we may have to strengthen our efforts. Be assured that we shall always work to defend your rights despite the sometimes difficult relations with the Administration: at any rate, these relations will remain suspended as long as the Administration continues to show contempt toward the staff , by ignoring its Associations’ comments and opinions.
Dear colleagues, we must continue to defend our rights with the same conviction animating us all; it is together and thanks to you that we will face all these challenges awaiting us in 2015. All are welcome to attend the Staff Assembly to be held on Thursday 26 of March at 12:30 a.m., in room IV. You will allhave the possibility to express yourself , to share your criticisms and to propose new types of action. Help us to help.
The STU Council.
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