The OERN Pact for “Quality and Recognition of Engineers’ Work” was signed on January 10 at the headquarters of the Order of Engineers of the Northern Region.
This pact, which aims to improve working conditions for engineers, was joined by renowned companies, including A400, ACA, BIMMS, Casais, Dourogás, Efacec, GEG, Infraspeak, Mota-Engil, Painhas and Sopsec.
These companies, which represent a turnover exceeding 2 billion euros and employ approximately 3,000 engineers, have committed to adopting measures to improve employment opportunities and the development of engineers.
The preparation of the pact included active participation from engineers in the Northern Region, whose more than 2,000 responses were fundamental in defining the objectives now undertaken.
Portugal faces major challenges, where engineering is crucial for economic, social and sustainable development.
However, there is a shortage of highly qualified professionals and atypical forms of employment.
Bento Aires, president of the Order of Engineers of the Northern Region, emphasized the importance of improving working conditions for engineers, ensuring that the Northern Region becomes a reference in modern engineering.
The pact, aligned with the Decent Work Agenda, aims to promote better working conditions, including work environment, remuneration, benefits, career progression, training and work-life balance.
The signatory companies have committed to improving working conditions for engineers, including salary increases, execution of engineering work by qualified professionals, creation of healthy and safe work environments, encouragement of stable employment contracts, promotion of diversity, development of training programs, integration of recent graduates under favorable conditions, encouragement of the return of engineers from abroad, adoption of responsible sustainability practices, among other measures.
The OERN Pact is open to all companies in the Northern Region that wish to subscribe and contribute to the recognition of engineers’ work.