US-IUE Florence

The EUI Employees Union (US IUE Florence) was founded on 2 May 1977 to defend and represent the interests of all EUI staff, regardless of staff category or nationality, including permanent and contract staff, active and retired. The Union’s priorities are set annually by the General Assembly in a Programmatic Document.

US IUE Florence is affiliated with Union Syndicale Fédérale (USF), providing an important framework for cooperation with unions and staff organisations working to strengthen the European public service. The US IUE Executive Board actively contributes to USF through participation in the Federal Committee and Congress. Current priorities include staff access to healthcare, legal assistance, pension rights, career development, equality and democracy at work. Particular attention is given to safeguarding staff well-being and democratic principles in institutional life, as well as securing the right of all EUI staff to access the Italian National Health Service (SSN).

The European University Institute (EUI) has two main staff categories with different statuses: administrative and academic staff. US IUE Florence has more than 150 members, representing both categories as well as retired administrative staff, and is currently the only trade union represented at the EUI.

The Union operates under its Statute, adopted in 2018. Its 15-member Executive Board is elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term. The current Board was constituted on 29 April 2025 and serves until April 2028.

A new Framework Agreement between the EUI and the Union was negotiated in 2024 and signed on 10 April 2025, replacing the 1992 agreement. It strengthens the Union’s institutional role and social dialogue at the EUI and formally recognises the allocation of working time to duly mandated representatives for staff-representation activities, although no Board member is seconded full-time for trade-union duties.”