Association des pensionnés de l'Office européen des brevets

On 29 September there was another constructive meeting with the Office at which the Board was represented by John Atkins and Jean-Pierre Ressenaar, and the Office by Alina Vengels.

Pension for Health Reasons under transitory measures

We were reminded of the time table for sending comparison calculations and requests forms for payment of additional compensation. It was confirmed that when a PHR pensioner reached the age of 65 he retires, and although remaining a PHR pensioner there are no longer payments of additional compensation.

How pensioners can contribute better service from ISRP

When sending requests to ISRP pensioners are requested to include their ISRP identifier which starts with 740 and to include all supporting documents in a single email.

Strikes, Tribunal) judgments of the 132nd session of the ILO Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT)

In 2013 the Office changed the strike regulations such that the deduction was 1/20th instead of 1/30th. This has been quashed by the ILOAT. Repayments of the differences owing are under way to the active staff and pensioners concerned with 5% interest per year. More extensive information is available on the EPO Pensioners’ Site.

SVB Long Term Care

Partners of some pensioners have received letters from the Netherlands Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) in which an undefined Long Term Care assessment is mentioned. This was not known to the Office. Copies of the letters have been sent to the Office for further investigation.

Cigna, severe reimbursement problems

Where there is an issue with Cigna on reimbursement and after having exhausted all clarification means with Cigna, the  Office Health and Safety directorate can be contacted, email address: healthandsafety@epo.org

Changes in Austrian law regarding International Organisations and their staff and former staff

The Association only recently learnt about the change in the Austrian law relating to International Organisations and their staf and former staff. We addressed the Office on this matter, but the Office was evidently unaware of this change. The association has therefore asked the Office to study this law change and to inform the Association accordingly. As soon as we know more it will be published on our website.

Access to Office locations

There are still strict limitations on the access of staff and others to Office locations. For active staff there is an upper limit of 30%. Self-testing/vaccination/recovery is deemed a pre-requisite. In common areas the wearing of masks is required. Visitors may be checked. The access for pensioners is still restricted. Home working will continue until the end of January 2022.