Akhannouch Acknowledged as Teacher Salary Surges Reflect Reverence for Vital Role

Tuesday 26 December 2023 - 10:24

Amidst widespread teacher strikes across Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch, the Head of the Government, asserts that the recent salary increase of MAD 1,500 for educators serves as a resolute testament to the nation's unwavering dedication to elevating the esteemed status of teachers.

Speaking at the weekly government council meeting on Monday, Akhannouch emphasized that the transformation of the education sector can only achieve its goals by bolstering the prominence and responsibilities of teachers.

"The government is resolutely committed to fostering a sense of trust among this esteemed group of teachers by enhancing their financial and professional circumstances," he declared with conviction.

Akhannouch highlighted that the salary hike would impose an annual cost of over MAD 10 billion on the nation's financial portfolio, marking the highest increase in remuneration in the country's history.

On December 10, the government reached an agreement with teachers' unions, granting a net salary increment of MAD 1,500 per month for all teachers, irrespective of their ranks and positions.

This agreement encompasses a MAD 750 raise in early 2024, followed by another MAD 750 increase in early 2025, culminating in a total of MAD 1,500.

The primary objective of this salary surge is to address the demands put forth by Moroccan teachers, who have been actively engaged in nationwide protests and strikes since the commencement of the academic year.

Their demands primarily include the complete abandonment of the contentious "New Basic System," which teachers argue imposes additional responsibilities without commensurate compensation. Furthermore, they have called for improvements in working conditions and a substantial MAD 3,000 salary increment.

Discontent with the MAD 1,500 raise, teachers have persisted in their protests, with assemblies of educators announcing prolonged strikes.

During a recent demonstration in Rabat, Morocco World News had the opportunity to converse with protesting teachers who expressed deep apprehension regarding the government's handling of the situation while reiterating their demands.

"We will unequivocally refuse to return to classrooms unless the basic system is either withdrawn or entirely abolished, while also ensuring the integration of contractual teachers into the public sector and a reasonable salary increase that accounts for the current inflation faced by the country," emphasized Youssef Achi, a member of the National Coordination of Secondary Education Teachers.