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Politics

Morocco Initiates New Phase of Social Dialogue with Labor Unions

Wednesday 27 March 2024 - 10:44

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In a proactive stride towards addressing the pressing concerns of the nation's workforce, the Moroccan government has commenced a fresh cycle of social dialogue with labor unions. Spearheaded by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, this ambitious initiative aims to cultivate constructive collaboration and set the stage for much-needed reforms that will enhance the lives of Moroccan workers.

The inaugural session, held in Rabat on Tuesday, saw Akhannouch engaging in candid discussions with a delegation from the influential Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), led by its Secretary-General Miloudi Moukharik. Central to the dialogue was the critical issue of pension reform, a persistent challenge affecting workers across various sectors.

Recognizing the urgency of the matter, both parties affirmed their unwavering commitment to working together to tackle this and other pressing social challenges facing the nation. The government's proposed roadmap to extend the coverage of the national security fund to an additional three million workers is seen as a proactive measure to address the growing deficit in the pension fund.

Akhannouch emphasized the indispensable role played by unions and business organizations like the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) in strengthening Morocco's social fabric and driving its economic growth. He stressed the government's steadfast dedication to a participatory approach to governance, aiming to establish enduring partnerships with its social and economic stakeholders.

Reflecting on past successes, the Head of Government praised the positive outcomes of previous dialogues, which have significantly improved working conditions and advanced the rights of employees across various sectors. He commended the unwavering commitment of all parties involved in these successful endeavors.

Reports indicate that during the meeting, labor unions raised a demand for a substantial 38% increase in the minimum wage, proposing to raise it to a more sustainable MAD 5000 ($495), alongside advocating for reduced taxes on the country's middle class.

Following this inaugural session with the UMT delegation, a series of discussions are scheduled to take place throughout the week with representatives from other prominent labor unions, including the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM) and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), as well as business representatives from the CGEM.

As Morocco embarks on this new phase of social dialogue, the nation observes with anticipation, hopeful that these collaborative efforts will yield tangible results and usher in a brighter future for its diligent citizens.