From the Staff Committee 2014-2015	202-370-4645
May 21^st, 2015	SN-53/14-15 Original: English
Concerns about the proposal of administrative measures to ensure the operations of the General Secretariat The Staff Committee shares staff members' concerns about the following proposals discussed in the Permanent Council and in the Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Affairs. The documents in question propose the following measures that, from a Staff Association perspective, could have an impact on the employment prospects of Secretariat staff: 1. In document CP/RES.1015 (2017/15), approved by the Permanent Council on May 20, 2015, it is proposed, among other measures, that, exceptionally, the current number of trust positions (up to 26) be maintained for up to a maximum of 180 days, The purpose of this measure is purportedly "to ensure that the General Secretariat can function smoothly during the first few months of the administration and avoid interruptions in services." Approval of this exception, of 9 additional positions to the 17 allowed under the General Standards (4% of the total number of positions approved in the Program-Budget for 2015-2016), could cost around US$1 million. 2. As for the statements made on that matter in the Permanent Council on May 19 and 20, 2015, and without wishing to disparage the qualities of the current and future staff in trust positions, the Staff Committee wishes to stress that the Organization currently has numerous qualified staff who, in many cases, have previously held managerial positions. The Staff Committee is convinced that its more than 560 staff members and consultants are those who keep the Organization running on a day-to-day basis and who, thanks to that installed capacity, can help the new administration function smoothly in its first few months by providing not just essential services but also all those needed to ensure business continuity. 3. Another matter of concern is the fact that, at the latest meeting, it was proposed that over the next six months, staff in trust positions appointed by the new administration be allowed to take part in competitions for staff positions. It is important to point out that staff in trust positions are by definition persons especially trusted by the Secretary General who appoints them. Therefore, allowing them to participate in competitions for staff jobs, when the Secretary General who appointed them is in office, could place other candidates at a considerable disadvantage and lead to biased, non-transparent competition. 4. In document (AG/CP/Sub.AAP-390/15), the proposal is to reduce the budget ceiling for 2016 by approximately US$1.2 million. This proposal is a reference to the statutory increases the Organization has to deal with without a corresponding increase in quotas. These statutory increases include the increase in basic infrastructure maintenance services, health insurance, the payment of pensions to the current Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General, and step increases, among others. It is to be noted that, under a limit established by the General Assembly, 64.38% of the budget is earmarked to cover personnel costs, so that a reduction in the ceiling will inevitably affect staff.  On this, the Committee trusts that any measures and proposals put forward ensure the continuity and ongoing employment of the Secretariat's staff, in order "to ensure that the General Secretariat can function smoothly during the first few months of the administration and avoid interruptions in services." Finally, the Staff Committee is convinced that the Organization's currently difficult financial and budgetary circumstances can be resolved in a way that does not discriminate against the staff of the Secretariat.  At the same time, the Staff Committee reiterates the need for the processes for both holding on to and recruiting staff to be fair and objective. The Committee would also like to think that the proposals put to the competent bodies will be made in a framework of transparency, respect for all OAS personnel, and concern for the best interests of the Organization.
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