Workers across Morocco initiated a nationwide strike against a controversial bill (97.15) that unions claim undermines their right to protest. The strike affected multiple sectors, reflecting widespread discontent over deteriorating wages and economic conditions. Prime Minister Akhennouch defends the bill as necessary for economic stability, but unions warn of escalating actions if it passes into law.
On Wednesday, a nationwide strike in Morocco disrupted various sectors, including factories, transport, healthcare, and education. This action, led by the country’s largest labor unions, was in response to a controversial draft law (97.15) that unions argue would weaken workers’ rights to protest. The law aims to regulate strikes by setting strict conditions for their legality, causing widespread opposition among workers and unions.
The bill, which passed the House of Councillors with minimal resistance, has been condemned as an attempt by the government to suppress dissent rather than to bring order to labor disputes. Unions, represented by figures like Khalid Souti of the National Labour Union of Morocco, claim it jeopardizes workers’ rights amid ongoing issues like wage theft and unpaid salaries. Union leaders have described the strike as a “warning battle” against the government’s actions.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhennouch argues that the proposed legislation is necessary for protecting businesses and ensuring foreign investment, emphasizing the need for a balance between workers’ rights and economic stability. Opposition parties have critiqued the government for pushing through legislation without complete scrutiny, viewing it as a misuse of their parliamentary majority.
Protests in Morocco have escalated since the introduction of the bill, reflecting widespread frustrations about rising living costs and declining wages amid high inflation and unemployment rates. The current strike poses a critical challenge for Akhennouch’s administration, with growing public discontent threatening long-standing political stability.
As labor relations in Morocco reach a crisis point, the next step involves the bill moving to the House of Representatives, where its approval is anticipated. Should it pass, unions indicate intentions to escalate their responses, potentially involving international bodies like the International Labour Organization to amplify pressure against the government.
The recent workers’ strike in Morocco arose amidst tensions over draft law 97.15, which stipulates strict conditions under which strikes can be legally conducted. Unions fear that these regulations would diminish workers’ rights to protest, resulting in potential conflicts over unpaid wages and inadequate compliance with the minimum wage. This strike reflects broader issues of wage erosion and the impact of high inflation and unemployment on Morocco’s workforce.
The nationwide strike in Morocco signifies a critical juncture in labor relations, with unions opposing the government’s proposed bill aimed at regulating strikes. As economic pressures mount and discontent grows, the outcome of this legislative battle will have profound implications for workers’ rights and the political landscape in Morocco. With further actions threatened by unions, the government’s response will be closely scrutinized.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
