Local Agents’ Salary Stagnation - Almost 40 Delegations are denied a salary increase every year

Sunil Kumar, Sumeet Thakkar, Aminata Ongoiba, Alice Oleya Jino, Ozge Gokce Aktas and Lejla Sultanovic

Local Agents in EU Delegations are facing significant challenges due to the stagnation of their salaries over the years. Despite their crucial roles in EU delegations, their compensation has not kept up with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Local agents in almost 40 Delegations draw a ZERO salary increase each year and another 20 Delegations get just less than a 1% increase !

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This article examines the factors contributing to the lack of salary increases and the impact on Local Agents.

Current Salary Revision Method: a brief background for newcomers

The current salary revision method for local agents was established in 2014, with the aim of aligning local agents' salaries with those of comparators, such as EU Member State embassies or other international institutions. However, this method has led to stagnant salaries in many EU delegations over the past decade. The EU’s focus has shifted from being a top employer to becoming an average one.

Reasons for Salary Stagnation

Several factors contribute to the lack of salary increases for Local Agents (LAs). A primary reason is the mismatch between local agents' roles and those of their counterparts in comparator organizations. Local agents often earn less than their peers in other international organizations, despite performing similar duties. Additionally, the use of outdated salary scales of some markers that do not reflect the real-time inflation rates or the cost of living, further exacerbate the issue. The limited number of markers available and the inflexible locked in period of five years with the same markers also restrict the scope of an increase.

Impact on Local Agents

The stagnation of salaries has had a considerable effect on LAs. Many have chosen to leave EU delegations for better-paying positions elsewhere. This has resulted in the loss of experienced staff and growing frustration among local agents, who feel that their contributions are undervalued. The lack of salary increases has also negatively affected their well-being and motivation, making it harder to maintain a dedicated and committed workforce.

Calls for Review

There have been growing calls for a revision of the salary method to address the stagnation of local agents' salaries. Despite increasing frustration among local agents, so far the European External Action Service (EEAS) has failed to engage in social dialogue on this matter. The current system fails to account for real-time inflation and other elements of the cost of living, leading to significant delays in salary revisions.

Future Outlook

The EU recognizes the impact of inflation on local agents' salaries but has yet to implement meaningful changes. The ongoing commitment to reviewing and updating the salary method is essential to ensure that local agents are fairly compensated and supported in their roles. Addressing these issues will be key to maintaining a motivated and effective workforce within EU delegations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stagnation of local agents' salaries within the EU has been a persistent issue, leading to frustration and the loss of experienced staff. There is an urgent need for a new salary method that accurately reflects real-time inflation and the cost of living, ensuring that local agents are fairly compensated for their valuable contributions.