Representatives Approve Landmark Legislation Expanding Workers' Rights to Strike

Wednesday 05 February 2025 - 15:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Representatives Approve Landmark Legislation Expanding Workers' Rights to Strike

The Chamber of Representatives has approved a significant legislative measure, the Organic Bill No. 97.15, defining the conditions and modalities for exercising the right to strike. The bill passed with 84 votes in favor and 20 votes against, with no abstentions.

During the legislative session, Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprise, Employment, and Skills Younes Sekkouri highlighted the bill's comprehensive development process, emphasizing its crucial provisions. Key aspects of the legislation include:

1. Prioritizing Worker Protections: The bill establishes that in any legislative disputes, workers' and labor organizations' rights take precedence. This approach ensures that the right to strike cannot be impeded.

2. Expanded Strike Definitions: Aligned with International Labour Organization standards, the bill broadens the concept of strike action to include:
- Defending both direct and indirect worker interests
- Recognizing solidarity and political strikes
- Protecting workers' moral and material interests

3. Comprehensive Worker Coverage: The legislation extends strike rights to:
- Domestic workers
- Independent professionals
- Non-salaried workers

4. Employer Accountability: The bill introduces substantial financial penalties for employers attempting to obstruct strike rights, with potential fines up to 200,000 dirhams.

Sekkouri emphasized that these provisions represent a fundamental shift in protecting workers' rights, providing a more inclusive and comprehensive framework for labor actions.