Brussels, 16/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - According to the trade unions, the general assembly of 15 February brought together 2,000 officials to "demand" that the College take no decision over the Commission's administrative reform at its meeting on 28 February, to ask for greater dialogue, and to "oppose by all means the plan to dismantle careers and worsen the working conditions in community institutions". The resolution adopted by the Assembly through unanimity, minus two abstentions, is close to the text already approved by the Union Syndicale (see EUROPE of 14 February, p.12). Criticisms are levelled at form - "fait accompli" method, as well as the substance - the "chaos" that implementation of an "excessive and ill-thought-out" reform would lead to, the fear of a deterioration in the status of trade unions. The general assembly provided the trade unions with a mandate to "use all trade union means, including strike action, to attain the objectives (listed in the resolution) and defend the quality and independence of the Community administration". On the Commission's side, there is acknowledgement that "there are problems", but stress is being placed on the fact that it is "precisely for that reason that one has to push forward with the reforms, to put in place a better organised Administration". For the Kinnock team, which assures that "the Commission will discuss seriously with the trade unions", the resolution "is playing with words" regarding the College meeting of 28 February, as it is a question of a first reading, and not the adoption of a final decision. The trade unions will be received on 28 February by the College before this first reading.