Transcript of the speech by Elisabeth Waltregny, Representative of the administrative, technical and manual staff, at the 2022-2023 academic year start

Speech by the administrative, technical and production staff

Tuesday, August 25th. A small cup of strong coffee smokes and a few blank sheets of paper lie in front of me. I'm thinking about my speech for the back-to-school ceremony in my capacity as representative of the Administrative, Technical and Workers' Staff on the Board of Directors. The task in hand brings me back to reality and projects me two weeks ahead, the date of my return to work. I hope to return to work as lightly as I did during the vacations. A dream or a sweet illusion? Coming back with what projects in mind for our staff? We could, of course, look to the future by identifying existing problems. I don't want to dwell on the difficulties we've already experienced, such as downsizing, overloaded workloads, work-related stress or sometimes complicated human relations, depression, isolation due to illness or internal conflict... But let's focus instead on our future challenges and dare to consider utopia. And, before that, let's savour what we've achieved. The last two years have been trying for everyone. ATO personnel, like other corps, have proved that they can adapt to chaotic situations. In response to these constraints, and in the interests of safety, ULiège has introduced the option of working from home. This advantage has been validated beyond its precautionary usefulness, at a rate of at least one day a week, and now enables employees to combine efficiency and comfort. By reducing travel, our company is also demonstrating its commitment to the environment. In addition, the promotion procedure has been revised to make it clearer and to give staff a broader career perspective. We hope that this revision will enable us to reward those who deserve it. In addition, the newly elected authorities have announced their intention to adopt a participative approach with teams in the implementation of their projects. This is an exciting move, insofar as each and every one of us can contribute, in our own way, to the development of our university. Beyond the achievements, what can we dream of? More pragmatically, what goals could we try to achieve for our body? By objectives, I of course mean SMART objectives: specific, measurable, attainable and achievable over time. Along with other staff representatives, we worked to set up an ATO staff representation group, open to all members, whether unionized or not. The creation of this group was unanimously welcomed by the Board of Directors last June. Our aim is to share information and collaborate with the authorities. We need to step up communication of procedures, whether in terms of promotions, access to status, benefits or internal mobility policy, in order to avoid the stress associated with a refusal or misinterpretation of each person's rights and obligations. Moreover, clarity is a source of objectivity, transparency and fairness. Furthermore, before we even dare to imagine benevolence, let's build relationships that invite respect for all. And from respect can grow trust and optimal employment conditions... Thursday September 22. I stand before you, ready to continue my job as a representative on the Board of Directors, with a strong desire to stimulate reflection and co-construction in the interests of ATO staff members and, more generally, my Alma Mater. My team and I would like to be able to explore all the possible tools for improving professional fulfillment, so that the steps taken by our colleagues are similar to those taken at the start of a new vacation season, full of dynamism and enthusiasm. Thank you for your attention.