SAFE’s activities are numerous and often behind the scenes and confidential :
- Dozens of cases in which we accompany colleagues during the annual evaluation process.
- Regular support during administrative investigations and disciplinary procedures.
- Regular advice in the event of an invalidity Commission.
- Advice and answers concerning individual rights.
- Assistance and drafting of complaints (Art 90(2)).
- Advice on our health insurance.
At the European Court of Justice :
When, following advice from a specialised lawyer and the agreement of the Section Committee, a claim is considered to be defensible before the European Court of Justice, SAFE may decide to cover the costs of the appeal for its members, either in full or in part.
An appeal costs between €8,000 and €10,000 – the majority of the membership fees are dedicated to this objective. By contributing, all the members are in solidarity for the defence of our/your rights.
Appeals for two Contract Agents (GFI):
Currently, we have two appeals before the Court of Justice, concerning two terminations of contract of contract agents (GF I), deemed to be a source of prejudice for which the claimants are seeking compensation.
Case that SAFE has won on the right to telemedicine :
In 2018, the European Parliament lost this case:
In addition, we support the work and tasks of the Staff Committee :
- Advisory Committee on Harassment and its prevention at the workplace.
- Promotions Committees
- Competition jury
- Joint Committee (COPAR)
- Advisory Committee for social activities (CCAS)
- Advisory Committee for social activities – Luxembourg (CAS)
- Sickness Insurance Management Committee (CGAM)
- Status Committee
- Comité de Centre Polyvalent de l’Enfance Luxembourg (CPE Lux)
- Comité paritaire de gestion du Centre de la petite enfance Bruxelles (COCEPE)
Not to mention that SAFE has been an active player in the last two reforms of the Staff Regulations.
Action before the Court of Justice
In 2023, SAFE brought an action in support of the two GFI contract staff members who had been dismissed. SAFE considered that the applicants’ dismissal was an unjustified and disproportionate measure.
SAFE asked the Court:
The annulment of the decision of 9 June 2022 – notifying the applicant that their contract would be terminated – and, in so far as necessary, that of 20 December 2022 rejecting their complaint against the decision of 9 June 2022;
An order that the defendant pay compensation for non-pecuniary damage;
An order that the defendant pay all costs.
The Parliament proposed a settlement, aware that it was going to lose the case. Both individuals were reinstated in their posts and received compensation.
In April 2024, SAFE lodged an appeal to defend the rights of temporary or contract staff employed before 2004 or 2014 who were subsequently made permanent civil servants.
Current situation:
A temporary or contract staff member who becomes a permanent civil servant after 1 May 2004 or 1 January 2014 is subject to the new Staff Regulations, including:
The new retirement age
Pension calculation based on these new Staff Regulations
These Staff Regulations apply even in cases of continuous service and pension contributions.
In the Picard case (2022), the Court of Justice ruled in favour of the applicants. However, the administration has limited the application of this ruling to staff who had not changed status. Staff who became permanent civil servants following the 2004 and 2014 reforms were excluded from the benefits of the Picard judgment. This is why SAFE decided to bring legal proceedings once again. On 2 July 2025, the Court dismissed the appeal, but SAFE decided to lodge an appeal against the General Court’s decision.
On 26 May 2026, SAFE lodged its reply before the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-603/25 P concerning the pension rights of temporary staff who became civil servants.