The CDT will hold a national march on February 23 in Casablanca to address economic issues such as rising prices, declining purchasing power, and increasing unemployment. The union has criticized the government for not addressing workers’ struggles and has urged broad participation in the protest, following a recent general strike that emphasized labor rights concerns.
The Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) has organized a national march scheduled for Sunday, February 23, in Casablanca to protest against the rising cost of living, decreasing purchasing power, and escalating unemployment rates. The union has expressed concern over what it perceives as government negligence regarding workers’ challenges amid escalating economic pressures.
The CDT believes that the ongoing economic struggle goes beyond wage issues, highlighting that families are increasingly unable to afford basic necessities, stating, “This is not just about wages. Families struggle to afford basic necessities, and the government refuses to listen.”
This protest follows a general strike that occurred on February 5 and 6, during which the CDT criticized the government for undermining labor rights and restricting union activities. The union also labeled certain laws passed without proper consultation as “regressive and unpopular.”
One such law is Organic Law 97.15, which concerns the right to strike and was approved concurrently with the unions’ general strike. Members of the UMT opposed this bill, walking out before the vote to contest the perceived rushed decision-making process.
Additionally, the CDT opposed the transfer of the National Fund for Social Welfare Organizations (CNOPS) to the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), warning that this could impair healthcare services for workers. The CDT strongly asserted, “The government bears full responsibility for rising social tensions.”
The union has called on various trade unions, professional organizations, workers, and citizens to join the upcoming march, suggesting broad-based participation is necessary. They also warned that failure to respond to protestors’ demands could lead to increased social unrest, indicating the general strike was only the initial response of the labor community.
The CDT’s planned protest highlights serious economic concerns including rising costs, reduced purchasing power, and high unemployment. The union’s grievances center around perceived government indifference towards workers’ rights and social welfare, urging collective action for reforms. The protests are seen as a significant response to legislation perceived as detrimental to labor rights, stressing the need for immediate governmental accountability.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com