Moroccan public sector engineers strike for improved working conditions

For the second consecutive day, Moroccan public sector engineers have gone on strike as part of a protest program organized by the National Union of Moroccan Engineers (UNIM).

The engineers are demanding a new regulatory framework, the creation of a national engineering body, and improved working conditions, including a collective labor agreement for private-sector engineers.

A significant number of engineers gathered outside the parliament on Thursday, staging a protest where they called on the government to address their legal and professional concerns. Chief among these demands is the establishment of a new status for engineers and architects across ministries, a request they have been advocating for years.

Protesters emphasized the urgency of listening to engineers and improving their social conditions, particularly as Morocco embarks on major development projects in preparation for hosting major international events by 2030. They warned that the government’s failure to address their concerns could lead to a mass exodus of engineers seeking better opportunities abroad.

On January 29, the administrative committee of the UNIM decided to launch a series of strikes on February 12, 13, 26, and 27 in response to what they describe as the government’s persistent inaction. The union is calling for immediate solutions to engineers’ demands.

Abderrahim Hendouf, President of the National Union of Moroccan Engineers, stressed that engineers are at the heart of Morocco’s major challenges. “If the government continues to neglect engineers, there will come a time when we regret this policy of marginalization,” he warned.

Hendouf outlined the difficulties engineers face, particularly regarding their social conditions, and urged the government to take corrective action before Morocco loses valuable talent to emigration.

Adib Jalal, a member of the UNIM administrative committee, echoed these concerns, stating that engineers have gathered multiple times to send a message to the government. “Morocco is launching major projects—roads, stadiums, hotels, and infrastructure for 2030. The question is: will the government need to recruit foreign engineers while neglecting its own?” he asked.

Jalal pointed out that engineers have been advocating for a new regulatory status since 2021, and yet their demands remain unaddressed. He urged the government to take their concerns seriously, including the regulation of private-sector engineering jobs. “How much longer will we have to keep discussing these issues?” he questioned.

As Morocco moves forward with its ambitious development agenda, the resolution of engineers’ demands will be crucial to ensuring the country retains its skilled professionals and successfully executes its infrastructure projects.