Extension of COLA payments and EXAS contract duration to 11 years

CERN has increased the maximum duration for cost-of-living allowance (COLA) payments processed on behalf of third parties to 11 years, or 132 months. This adjustment aims to provide stability for experiment collaborations operating at CERN during Long Shutdown 3, which involves extended maintenance and upgrade periods for the laboratory’s infrastructure. The change reflects CERN’s commitment to supporting long-term research activities amid prolonged shutdown phases.

In parallel, the maximum duration for experiment associate (EXAS) contracts has also been extended to 11 years, aligning with the updated COLA policy. This adjustment ensures consistency in employment terms for personnel involved in CERN’s experiments, particularly those requiring extended stays. The decision is detailed in Administrative Circular No. 11 (Rev. 9), which governs categories of personnel and their contractual arrangements.

The extension applies to both COLA payments and EXAS contracts, enabling collaborations to plan extended stays at CERN with greater certainty. This is particularly relevant for experiments that rely on sustained participation from international teams, who may face challenges due to prolonged shutdown periods. The policy change supports continuity in research operations during critical phases of the laboratory’s lifecycle.

CERN’s Human Resources and Finance departments have made these adjustments to address the evolving needs of its scientific community. For further clarification, inquiries can be directed to the designated contact points: hr-head.office@cern.ch for human resources matters and claims.office@cern.ch for COLA-related questions. The updated policy is available in Administrative Circular No. 11 (Rev. 9) on CERN’s repository.