102nd ICSC Session opens today in Vienna

FICSA's opening statement is available below:

Distinguished members of the ICSC, 

Representatives of the Organizations,  

Colleagues from Staff Federations,  

Allow me to first welcome you to Vienna which is also known for its positive spirit!
 

Mr Chair,

Since its inception by the United Nations General Assembly in 1974, and under the leadership of its respective chairs, the ICSC has served as the independent expert body strengthening and maintaining the high standards of the international civil service, while balancing the needs and concerns of all involved stakeholders.

We acknowledge that, through its routine central maintenance of salary scales and allowance schedules over the years, the commission has enabled organizations to recruit and retain staff of the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity from all Member States, in line with Article 101 of the United Nations Charter, for deployment to any location required by operational needs. 
 

Mr Chair,

FICSA recognizes that the current operating environment across many organizations of the United Nations system is shaped by financial constraints and increasingly multi-dimensional geopolitical challenges, all while seeing an increased demand in services, shorter response and implementation timelines, as well as more stringent and complex fiduciary, accountability, and compliance standards

The combined effect of such a working environment with deteriorating job security can adversely affect staff members’ physical and mental health and, in turn, undermine an organization’s ability to deliver predictably. Where health conditions become so serious that a return to the workplace is no longer possible, resulting in a prolonged or permanent inability to continue in service, the consequences extend well beyond the individual, creating a domino effect for immediate colleagues, related services and wider organizational units.

It is no coincidence that according to data compiled by the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), the percentage of approved UN disability benefits tied directly to mental health conditions now accounts for more than 45% of all disability benefits granted to United Nations system staff.

Launching and maintaining a UN career is both a choice and a calling. However, it is preceded by careful balancing of opportunities, conditions of service, and total compensation including benefits and allowances tailored to one's personal and family needs. 

For that reason, to ensure organizations can effectively deliver their mandates, we expect that the ICSC provide the necessary framework to preserve their attractiveness, thereby enabling them to recruit and retain the best combination of talent, competency, and diversity.
 

Mr Chair, 

As it is evident in the comparison and simulations conducted by the ICSC Secretariat in preparation for this session, the common system comparator package is more generous than that of the United Nations common system.

Therefore, we strongly believe that revising the control mechanism (margin parameters) of the measuring tool (margin) of the implementation of the Noblemaire principle, as outlined in document R7, in an already competitive international labour market, would affect staff income and consequently have an impact on the competitiveness of the common system and jeopardize mission delivery. 

 FICSA therefore urges the Commission to approach this exercise with the degree of care and responsibility it requires. Any reform should be guided by long-term institutional needs, resist short-term pressures, and safeguard both the integrity of the common system and the people who sustain it.

As a stakeholder in the consultation process, FICSA has a responsibility to draw attention to the practical consequences of its decisions for staff, to identify foreseeable risks, and to ensure that the legitimate contractual and professional expectations of our members are fully reflected. Our contributions will remain firmly rooted in cooperation, good faith and constructive engagement, but they cannot come at the expense of the clear red lines established by our constituent members.
 

Mr. Chair, 

The 102nd session of the ICSC is significant not only because of the diverse matters that will be addressed, but also due to the upcoming changes in the leadership of the Commission.

FICSA deeply appreciates the respect that you have shown to the Staff Federations throughout your tenure. We recognize with gratitude your adherence to the provisions for formal consultations with all stakeholders. Furthermore, we appreciate that under your leadership, a genuine opportunity has always been given to all parties involved to express their views, and that a meaningful effort has been made to take those views into account prior to recommending changes that affect the employment conditions of staff.

We sincerely hope that your successor, as well as the members of the Commission, will maintain this constructive approach. 

For its part, FICSA remains intent upon maintaining a constructive and healthy dialogue with all stakeholders in an atmosphere characterized by mutual trust and respect.
 

Mr Chair, 

With your permission, FICSA will provide further detailed comments as we proceed with the agenda items during this session.

I wish you every success in your deliberations throughout the session here in Vienna.
Thank you.