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Friday, April 15, 2016
NEWSLETTER - AFLEX
Dear
colleagues,
In light of the current political and financial crisis in Brazil and the drastic budget cuts affecting several government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AFLEX reports that it has received messages from local employees expressing concern regarding their contractual situation. Some messages express fear over the possibility of salary cuts or staff reductions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rumors have it that some stations have been instructed to consult local labor laws to develop layoff plans for local employees. Others report studies aimed at reducing health insurance benefits for local employees in the United States.
We have received information that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to outsource a significant portion of consular services, starting with visa processing and applications. Outsourcing is already in place in China for visa reception and processing, with the Brazilian consular staff only responsible for the final authorization process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has concrete plans to expand outsourcing at US posts, a measure adopted as a pilot project at Chinese posts in 2015.
AFLEX renews its commitment to inform and alert about any relevant fact related to local employees.
Cordially,
AFLEX BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Friday, January 22, 2016
AFLEX'S NEW WEBSITE
Dear
colleagues,
Our new website is now online.
We're counting on your help to make it a useful tool.
Come in, browse, and share your opinion!
AFLEX BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our new website is now online.
We're counting on your help to make it a useful tool.
Come in, browse, and share your opinion!
AFLEX BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monday, June 1, 2015
The importance of the Brussels Event
Dear
colleagues,
We have dreamed of this union since the creation of AFLEX.
Our association has served as an inspiration and has been an important driving force for the issue of "dignity and labor rights of local employees hired by diplomatic missions around the world" to emerge from the shadows and gain international attention.
Contact with AFLEXs from several countries, some recently established, was a milestone.
A common force, a shared goal, a solid foundation being built.
The results will come!
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight, and then you win."
Gandhi
Claudia Siano Rajecki
President
We have dreamed of this union since the creation of AFLEX.
Our association has served as an inspiration and has been an important driving force for the issue of "dignity and labor rights of local employees hired by diplomatic missions around the world" to emerge from the shadows and gain international attention.
Contact with AFLEXs from several countries, some recently established, was a milestone.
A common force, a shared goal, a solid foundation being built.
The results will come!
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight, and then you win."
Gandhi
Claudia Siano Rajecki
President
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Aflex speech in Brussels, attended by the Prime Minister
The
speech was simultaneously translated
into 3
languages Rio
de Janeiro, May 24th , 2015
Greetings
to all,
I would
like to congratulate all local workers of diplomatic
missions with representation in Belgium for taking
the initiative and opportunity to start negotiations
to redefine the employment rights
and relationship between foreign diplomatic
missions in this country and their respective
local workers. AFLEX is represented here today
by Luiz Carlos Chagas, who is the
Vice-President, currently working for the
Embassy of Brazil in London and Marcia Ramos,
AFLEX Executive Director, who currently works
for the Brazilian Consulate in Paris. Both would
be glad to share experiences and information
regarding developments, which took place
following AFLEX creation in
2011.
The AFLEX
is the result of the outcry from about 4,000 local
workers working abroad for the Brazilian Foreign
Affairs Government Department. Previously, we were
without any form of representation and as a result,
voiceless. In May 2011, three local workers were
discussing through a phone conversation their legal
limbo, and the idea to create an Association came
up, and I am very proud for being one of them. Soon
after, we contacted our counterparts working in
Europe and they immediately joined the initial
movement, although we had heard that it would be
impossible and that we were crazy. The idea began to
take shape. And to paraphrase one of Nelson
Mandela's saying “It always seems impossible until
it is done” and in our case it really happened.
During the initial contacts we found out that it was
not a problem only in the United States but in all
countries hosting foreign diplomatic
missions.
We faced
several challenges after the creation of AFLEX, the
biggest one was to come out of the shadow of fear,
and have the courage to show our faces and claim
basic employment rights. It is true to say that
locally hired employees are in limbo without
precedent and in some countries more than in others.
We presented our situation to several Senators who
were ready to create two drafts of law (House Bill)
for consideration, but, the Brazilian government
since then has always positioned itself against
these projects and treat us as if we were
invisible. Without
much options of persuasion, on the
13th and 14th of May
2014, we went on a strike, and at that time
the INTERSINDICAL gave us its valuable
support for which we are extremely grateful.
As a result, we managed to secure visibility
in the government, national and
international media coverage showing to
Brazil and the world that we exist as a
class of workers. But, we have suffered
consequences such as persecution, different
types of harassment and some were sacked as
a result. The Board of AFLEX suffered an
enormous pressure but managed to remain
standing with the support of
Senators.
We have a common
struggle and we believe that united and through
class representation we can achieve our common goal.
The fight is hard and it is not only a fight for the
definition of a specific labor law (creating,
improving and enforcing), it is also for dignity and
justice. This fight is not only limited to those
working for the Brazilian government, it is the same
for workers based in Belgium as well as in other
countries around the world. We congratulate
the INTERSINDICAL for promoting this important
meeting in Brussels and the exposure of
injustice, arbitrariness and poor working
conditions in which the Local Workers of
diplomatic representations are being subjected
to for decades. Belgium is known for being the
host country of several international
institutions like (European Union Headquarters,
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe-SHAPE,
the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization-NATO etc.) and also for being a hub
for international contacts.
We do hope
that Belgium will be at the forefront of
historical decisions in this regard, as well
as, in relation to the protection of
fundamental human rights, and consequently
be the country to kick-off the
implementation of these necessary changes
and be a diplomatic example for all other
nations.
Thank
You!
Claudia Siano Rajecki
President
Brussels, 30th May 2015
Brussels, 30th May 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
AFLEX IN BELGIUM
Dear
all,
It is with great pleasure that we inform you of another step taken by AFLEX.
AFLEX IN BELGIUM:
Atenciosamente,
DIRETORIA DA AFLEX
It is with great pleasure that we inform you of another step taken by AFLEX.
AFLEX IN BELGIUM:
A
AFLEX foi convidada para o evento promovido pela
InterSyndicale, em Bruxelas-Bélgica, no dia 30 de
maio de 2015, com a presença do ministro do
Trabalho, Kris Peeters, e enviou três
representantes: Luiz Carlos Chagas,vice-presidente,
Marcia Ramos, diretora executiva e Edvan Coutinho
Van Eeghem, presidente do conselho
fiscal.
Eles serão os porta-vozes de uma mensagem da nossa
presidente e terão a oportunidade de compartilhar,
trocar experiências com colegas de vários países, e,
principalmente, apoiar a luta por justiça para os
trabalhadores das RDs - incluindo os mais de
50 contratados
no CG Bruxelas, Embaixada do Brasil na Bélgica e da
Missão do Brasil junto à União Européia.
É
importante ressaltar que a Bélgica pode sair na
frente e determinar a inclusão dos contratados
locais das representações diplomáticas (RDs) numa
Comissão Paritária onde os nossos direitos terão
força de lei.
Uma luz, uma esperança !
https://www.facebook.com/InterSyndicale.be/videos/1423154318002853/
Uma luz, uma esperança !
https://www.facebook.com/InterSyndicale.be/videos/1423154318002853/
Atenciosamente,
DIRETORIA DA AFLEX
quarta-feira, 27 de maio de 2015
Revista Isto É
Abaixo reproduzimos a
resposta publicada na Revista Isto É desta semana,
dos funcionários demitidos por justa causa do
Consulado-Geral do Brasil em Nova
York:
» Itamaraty
Trabalhamos para o Consulado do Brasil em Nova York há mais de 28 anos, com exceção de Andréa.concursada, contratada há 18 meses. Nesse período jamais sofremos qualquer punição. Não é verdade que os americanos precisam pagar duas taxas para obtenção de visto. A expedição do visto para qualquer cidadão americano, em regra, 'obedece os seguintes valores: US$ 0,00 pelo visto e US$ 160,00 pela reciprocidade. A taxa de reciprocidade é paga somente através do "money order" (espécie de cheque administrativo no Brasil), nominal ao Consulado, que é depositado em conta do Consulado, tornando impossível o desvio de tal quantia, uma vez que nos EUA, nem com o endosso no verso o "money order" poderá ser transferido. Então, não é verdadeira a afirmação de que as taxas de reciprocidade foram por nós desviadas. É amplamente conhecida no Itamaraty a inoperância do sistema de informatização adotado. Tal fato, todavia, não permite, como visto anteriormente, o desvio de numerário. Nossa atividade resume-se a processar o requerimento dos vistos, inserindo informações no sistema. Compete aos chefes dos setores, aos Vice-Cônsules, após análise do processo, autorizar ou não a expedição do visto. E uma vez lançadas as informações no sistema, somente os chefes de setores (cargo esse que não ocupamos) podem alterar os lançamentos realizados. Também não procede a informação sobre a criação de "empresas laranjas': Todas as empresas que prestam serviços de despachante junto ao Consulado são cadastradas no setor de visto, no qual consta o nome do proprietário, endereço, telefone e prestam serviços há mais de 10 anos. Sobre a injuriosa justa causa que nos foi açodadamente aplicada será questionada perante o juízo competente quando tudo será apurado, sendo certo, também, que desconhecemos até agora qualquer procedimento promovido pela polícia de Nova York sobre o assunto.
Fernando Villar Paiva, Rogério Anildo Jost e Andréa Lanna. Nova York - EUA
http://novo.clipclipping.com.br/revistas/ler/noticia/2640920/cliente/19#prettyPhoto
» Itamaraty
Trabalhamos para o Consulado do Brasil em Nova York há mais de 28 anos, com exceção de Andréa.concursada, contratada há 18 meses. Nesse período jamais sofremos qualquer punição. Não é verdade que os americanos precisam pagar duas taxas para obtenção de visto. A expedição do visto para qualquer cidadão americano, em regra, 'obedece os seguintes valores: US$ 0,00 pelo visto e US$ 160,00 pela reciprocidade. A taxa de reciprocidade é paga somente através do "money order" (espécie de cheque administrativo no Brasil), nominal ao Consulado, que é depositado em conta do Consulado, tornando impossível o desvio de tal quantia, uma vez que nos EUA, nem com o endosso no verso o "money order" poderá ser transferido. Então, não é verdadeira a afirmação de que as taxas de reciprocidade foram por nós desviadas. É amplamente conhecida no Itamaraty a inoperância do sistema de informatização adotado. Tal fato, todavia, não permite, como visto anteriormente, o desvio de numerário. Nossa atividade resume-se a processar o requerimento dos vistos, inserindo informações no sistema. Compete aos chefes dos setores, aos Vice-Cônsules, após análise do processo, autorizar ou não a expedição do visto. E uma vez lançadas as informações no sistema, somente os chefes de setores (cargo esse que não ocupamos) podem alterar os lançamentos realizados. Também não procede a informação sobre a criação de "empresas laranjas': Todas as empresas que prestam serviços de despachante junto ao Consulado são cadastradas no setor de visto, no qual consta o nome do proprietário, endereço, telefone e prestam serviços há mais de 10 anos. Sobre a injuriosa justa causa que nos foi açodadamente aplicada será questionada perante o juízo competente quando tudo será apurado, sendo certo, também, que desconhecemos até agora qualquer procedimento promovido pela polícia de Nova York sobre o assunto.
Fernando Villar Paiva, Rogério Anildo Jost e Andréa Lanna. Nova York - EUA
http://novo.clipclipping.com.br/revistas/ler/noticia/2640920/cliente/19#prettyPhoto
quarta-feira, 13 de maio de 2015
BOLETIM INFORMATIVO
Agradecemos mais uma vez aos inúmeros e-mails recebidos no
dia hoje mas que infelizmente não poderemos responder
individualmente, fica aqui o nosso agradecimento a todos
pela contribuição.
A greve dos funcionários do quadro é real. Segundo as
informações recebidas e apesar da presença de grevistas
em alguns postos, nenhum posto teve necessidade de
recorrer ao serviço emergencial tendo em vista que os
funcionários locais continuam desempenhando as suas
funções.
Em resumo, o dia de hoje transcorreu normalmente, sem
comprometimento dos serviços e sem penalização do
público.
Each person's
contribution makes a difference and strengthens
AFLEX. This UNITY has allowed AFLEX to share updated
information and strengthen its representation
base.
AFLEX BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Thanks
Dear colleagues,
We are
grateful for the collaboration of all
employees who remained faithful to AFLEX's
instructions, despite calls from managers at
some stations for local employees to join
the movement.
We also
appreciate all the information we receive
from all corners of the world, throughout
the day, about the operation of the
Stations.
AFLEX
maintains its position of not joining the
strike by its staff and continues to count
on the collaboration of all local employees
so that the Stations continue to operate
normally as they do today.
We will
continue to monitor this and thanks to
everyone's collaboration and unity we will
be able to keep you informed.
Yours
sincerely,
AFLEX BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monday, May 11, 2015
AFLEX STATEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT
In view of
the announcement by the Sinditamaraty union,
on social media and in the press, of the
strike by permanent staff of the Itamaraty,
diplomats, chancellery officials,
chancellery assistants and other careers,
for the next May 12th and 13th, the
International Association of Local Employees
in the World – Aflex, comes to the public to
provide some clarifications.
Despite
the "coincidence" of the dates, it's
not the same class that will go on
strike. After nearly a year of local
employees' strikes on May 13th and
14th, 2014, which closed 16
strategic
posts, such
as the Brazilian Consulate General
in New York, Aflex has not yet been
contacted or heard from the
government, despite strong coverage
in the national and international
media. At the time, contrary to
diplomatic policies, the strike
resulted in two days' pay cuts,
layoffs, intense pressure, and
threats.
The
local staff is comprised of
approximately 4,000 workers,
responsible for approximately
90% of customer service and 75%
of document
printing ,
among other services in sectors such
as assistance, administration, IT,
education, and sales, at consulates,
embassies, and various missions.
They are not Brazilian public
servants, nor do they claim to be,
as they are recruited through
selection processes in various
countries. However, they represent
Brazil exemplarily and have served
Brazilian and foreign communities
abroad for decades.
Every
worker deserves decent treatment,
but
unfortunately, local
employees' salaries remain low, and
it's been eight years without a
raise. To make matters worse, the
legal limbo has not been resolved;
some employment contracts have been
shortened to three or six-month
periods. The level of
dissatisfaction is enormous, and the
number of resignations in recent
months has hit a record
high.
Despite
the turbulent situation, Aflex is
concerned about the impact that the news
of the strike may have on the general
public. Therefore, it has requested that
employees report to their posts as usual
to ensure that public service is not
affected. To this end, it relies on the
collaboration of Post Chiefs,
Officers-in-Charge, Consuls General, and
Ambassadors to ensure the opening of
diplomatic posts and the entry of local
employees and the
public.
AFLEX
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
www.aflex.org –
contato@aflex.org
Friday, May 16, 2014
Aflex Announcement #1 - on video
AFLEX statement - number 1
in video
President: Claudia Regina Siano Rajecki
President: Claudia Regina Siano Rajecki
Sunday, May 11, 2014
New Director of Human Rights
At the General
Assembly held yesterday, May 10,
Ms. Marcia
Maria Beraldo
Ramos was
acclaimed Director
of Human Rights at
AFLEX ,
replacing Mr. Luis Henrique Aroeira Neves,
who resigned from the Sydney CG, Australia,
and will no longer be able to dedicate
himself to
AFLEX. The alternate
directorship was
not changed;
Ms. Viviane
Hottum
Jones ,
from the Sydney CG,
remains.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
GENERAL ASSEMBLY: STRIKE IN KEY BRAZILIAN POSITIONS ABROAD
PRESS
RELEASE
|
Strike
by local
employees
at Brazilian Diplomatic Missions Abroad |
May 13th and 14th , 2014 |
The
Association of Local Employees of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abroad
(AFLEX) announces
a 48-hour strike on May 13 and 14 at
key Brazilian posts in Europe and
North America.
Claims:
· Immediate
negotiation with AFLEX for
salary adjustments in all positions where
salaries have been frozen for more than 3
years, salary reviews in countries where
they are below the level of the role
performed, and the creation of standards to
regulate a salary
policy.
· Approval
of Bill PLS 246/2013 ,
under consideration in the National Congress since
July 2013, which aims to obtain minimum, fair and
dignified hiring standards;
· Right to
freedom of expression, political freedom,
free class representation and
the immediate
cessation of persecution, harassment and
threats of dismissal against AFLEX
leaders ;
The crisis was
announced and warned about in numerous
letters sent by the association to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
( MRE ) and
other government
agencies. AFLEX expressed
great concern about the deterioration of the
work environment, as it could escalate into
a crisis, which was ultimately triggered by
the recent events at the Consulate General
in Atlanta.
Since
2011 , AFLEX has
been trying to raise awareness of this
situation at
the Ministry
of Foreign
Affairs through
various channels of communication. Since
then, the Ministry
of Foreign
Affairs has
received numerous requests for salary
adjustments from employees at various posts
in various countries, endorsed by the posts'
own heads.
In addition to the
unfulfilled salary adjustment requests, we have also
suffered persecution of our association's directors
and arbitrary suspensions. However, we are aware of
our civil rights. The Brazilian Constitution, in its
Article 5, grants us the right to freedom of
expression and free association. These are universal
rights of every person, enshrined in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
The strike
will severely disrupt consular services for
thousands of Brazilians abroad (issuing
passports and other documents, consular
assistance) and institutional contacts
between Brazilian diplomatic missions and
foreign authorities. Likewise, the
processing of visa applications will be
significantly hampered, especially for
foreigners planning to come to Brazil to
attend the World Cup. Brazilian missions
with the highest demand for consular
services will be closed or only handling
emergencies, including: the Consulates
General in New York, Los Angeles, Hartford,
San Francisco, Houston, and Atlanta in the
United States; Paris, France; London, United
Kingdom; Brussels, Belgium; Frankfurt,
Germany; Montreal and Toronto in Canada; and
the Embassy in Bern, Switzerland.
Demonstrations will also take place at
several other locations, such as the Embassy
and Consulate in Rome, and the Consulate in
Milan, Geneva, and Rotterdam.
Yours
sincerely,
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