Health unions announce national mobilization starting December 9

Monday 01 December 2025 - 11:20

By: Sahili Aya

Health unions announce national mobilization starting December 9

Morocco’s national health union coordination has issued a strong warning after months of stalled negotiations with the Ministry of Health. In a statement released this week, the unions denounced what they describe as significant delays in implementing the commitments outlined in the agreement signed on July 23, 2024. As a result, they have announced a nationwide wave of mobilization beginning on December 9, 2025.

The coordination brings together four major union organizations:
– the National Union of Public Health (FDT),
– the National Federation of the Health Sector (UNTM),
– the National Health Federation (UGTM),
– and the Democratic Health Organization (ODT).

United around the same demands, these unions say they intend to increase pressure within the framework of social dialogue to ensure the government fulfills its promises.

According to their joint statement, the unions criticize the government for failing to set a clear timetable for meetings and for not advancing on the long-awaited regulatory texts despite repeated negotiations in recent months.

The July 2024 agreement was expected to bring significant improvements to working conditions and career paths across the health sector. Key measures include the adoption of regulatory texts related to the 2017 reform of the nursing and health technician statutes, the establishment of an incentive system for healthcare personnel, the publication of statutory decrees for medical and paramedical professions, and a review of on-call and standby compensation. The unions also call for correcting the GST allowance and settling the status of staff transferred to the National Blood Agency.

Facing what they describe as a complete stalemate, the unions argue that the sectoral dialogue has effectively collapsed. They point to contradictory official statements and ongoing “hesitation” that, in their view, cast doubt on the government’s willingness to implement the agreement.

The first phase of protests will begin on December 9 with local and regional actions in health institutions nationwide. At the same time, the unions will publish a detailed memorandum outlining the unimplemented aspects of the agreement and the delays accumulated.

If no constructive response is provided by the Ministry of Health, the coordination plans to escalate the movement with a nationwide demonstration in front of the ministry’s headquarters.

Beyond the immediate demands, the unions are calling for deeper structural reforms, including the participation of staff representatives in the boards of territorial health groups, improved working conditions, solutions to the chronic shortage of human resources, and the lifting of recruitment restrictions.
They argue that only the full application of the July 23, 2024 agreement can stabilize the sector and prevent further deterioration of Morocco’s public health system.