Moroccan labor unions, including UMT and UNTM, have called for a nationwide strike on Wednesday and Thursday in response to rising prices of essential goods and a new restrictive strike law. This law, deemed regressive by unions, is seen as an infringement on the right to protest, which exacerbates the economic situation faced by many citizens. The strike mobilizes various sectors to demand government accountability and action against rising inflation.
On Wednesday and Thursday, labor unions in Morocco, including the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), National Labor Union of Morocco (UNTM), and others, initiated a nationwide general strike across both private and public sectors. This action aims to protest escalating prices of essential goods and the declining purchasing power of citizens, as well as a new restrictive strike law viewed as an infringement on the right to protest by unions. While the government defends the law as democratic, unions have condemned it as regressive.
Miloudi Moukharik, Secretary-General of the UMT, highlighted the urgency of the situation in a press interview and called for participation from all sectors, including civil service, public institutions, and businesses. He criticized the government for allowing unchecked price increases that harm the working class, adding that the situation is exacerbated for tradespeople and artisans, who also face economic pressures from government inaction.
The recent approval of the controversial strike law by Morocco’s House of Councillors has intensified the unions’ dissent. They argue that the government is undermining working-class purchasing power by permitting ongoing price increases. As unemployment rises to 13.3% due to agricultural job losses, labor unions assert that they will not remain passive as conditions continue to deteriorate.
Morocco is currently facing economic challenges characterized by rising inflation and legislation perceived as detrimental to workers’ rights. The labor unions have mobilized in response to both the economic strain of increasing prices on essential goods and a new law seen as limiting their ability to protest. With unemployment rising in the context of a drought-impacted agricultural sector, the unions are advocating for better protections and economic support for the working class, highlighting a growing discontent with government policies.
The call for a nationwide strike by Moroccan labor unions underscores significant concerns regarding the rising cost of living and the enactment of a new restrictive strike law. As unions unite across various sectors, they emphasize the need for government accountability and protections for workers. The strike is not merely a protest against rising prices but a broader condemnation of policies perceived as harmful to the rights and livelihoods of Moroccan citizens.
Original Source: www.watanserb.com
