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STU/70th Council/23/040
21 December 2023

Join Us in Reflecting on a Year of Unity and Achievements!

As we approach the year's end, let's take a moment together to look back at the journey we've shared. The STU has been the unwavering voice of your ideas, tirelessly representing and advocating for our colleagues.

Throughout the year, we've been your voice in numerous working meetings, voicing your concerns and ideas to the Administration and Member States. From negotiating fair working conditions to championing personal causes, including the review of manuals and policies, the STU has been a powerful force for positive change. We've worked on nearly 60 documents concerning employment and working conditions of the staff, closely verified recruitment rule compliance of almost 70 posts in ARBs, taken part in 19 Appeals Board hearings, expressed your concerns at the 42th General Conference and both Executive Boards, monitored the situation in 7 Field Offices and 1 Institute and actively intervened on 41 personal cases.

Among the most significant achievements have been negotiating the revision of reimbursement rates with the Medical Benefit Fund (MBF) Governing Board and the launch of the HelloCSE initiative, improving our cultural offer and beyond. STU also significantly contributed valuable input on the new policy for interns, and we are closely following up the Geographical mobility among other things. STU has also contributed to the discussions to implement the increased parental leave. These initiatives have a positive, direct, impact on the staff well-being.

We participated in the 76th Federation of International Civil Servants’ Associations (FICSA) Council in March 2023 in Valencia, Spain. Topics ranged from Education Grants, GS salary and the impact of inflation, Field Office hardship classification, mental health, and the organization of the next 78th FICSA meeting in Paris. STU also organized webinars on GS and P salary calculations, preparing for the next International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) survey in 2024, where STU will be a crucial committee member.

Thanks to your support and active participation, STU regained its right to act as an UNESCO "representative" staff association in Headquarters and the Field, boasting almost 400 active members among GS, P and Directors without distinction. We can therefore continue in concentrating our collective efforts towards achieving tangible positive impacts on the workplace, creating a constructive atmosphere for all.

As we approach the end of the year holidays, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of our community. Your dedication and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts and successes. Please don't hesitate to contact our office to find a way to support STU work, YOUR work, in the next year.

The STU has worked tirelessly to build bridges between colleagues and the Administration, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued and we will continue doing so, but we need your help. We are much stronger together!

Finally, be reminded that joining the STU brings many advantages:

• You are represented on all administrative working committees.
• You have access to a wide range of training courses through STU or FICSA.
• You are part of a dynamic network of colleagues.
• You gain access to all the benefits of services offered by our partner HelloCSE, provider of services and activities to staff associations, and other social activities.
• You have special rates for complementary health insurance negotiated with our partner Dynafi.
• You can reach out a network of lawyers in international staff rights.

May this season's holiday bring you joy, peace, and moments of well-deserved relaxation. We look forward to continuing our journey together in the coming year, making even greater strides towards a harmonious and prosperous workplace.

The STU President
For the STU Council