Government architects, engineers feel ‘undervalued despite carrying major public responsibilities’

Government architects and engineers say they are being undervalued despite carrying major public responsibilities, as talks over a revised sectoral agreement continue.

In a statement, the Union Periti u Inġiniera tas-Settur Pubbliku (UPISP) said that while the current electoral campaign has been dominated by “generous proposals, costly commitments and ambitious pledges”, architects and engineers employed by the government were facing a different attitude during negotiations.

The union said it had requested a revision of the sectoral agreement to better reflect the “demanding academic formation, technical expertise, workload and heavy responsibilities” carried by professionals in the sector.

However, it said the government side had so far focused on financial sustainability and proposed limited increases that “fall short of establishing a fair relativity with other comparable professions”.

UPISP questioned the value being placed on architects and engineers within the public service, noting that these professionals are responsible for public infrastructure, technical assessments, project delivery, restoration and conservation of historic buildings, public safety and safeguarding public funds.

The union said it was also seeking reforms that would empower architects and engineers to contribute to “more ambitious, higher-quality projects in the public interest”.

But it argued that government was hesitant to take the decisions needed to implement meaningful reform and was instead delaying action despite the aims outlined in Vision 2050.

“Malta cannot speak of ambitious long-term reform while failing to recognise, empower and support the professionals expected to deliver it,” the union said.

It warned that unless the situation was addressed, Malta risked weakening the future standing of the architecture and engineering professions.

The union also raised concerns about the message being sent to young people considering careers in architecture and engineering.

It said prospective students deserved “an honest picture” that looked beyond starting salaries and considered realistic opportunities for career development, the responsibilities involved and whether the professions were being given the recognition and conditions needed to remain attractive.

UPISP also pointed to what it described as fragmented representation within the professions.

It said stronger and more unified representation in other sectors had helped secure better recognition and working conditions, while architects and engineers remained divided, including within the public sector itself.

“The time has come for architects and engineers to speak with a stronger and more unified voice,” the union said, adding that this was not only in the interests of the professions but also in the public interest.

The union said public safety, quality infrastructure, sound technical decisions, the protection of historic buildings and the proper use of public funds all depended on professionals who were respected, properly compensated and equipped with the authority and tools needed to uphold standards.

“Malta cannot afford to leave these professions behind,” it said.