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Rabat – Workers and union members from across Morocco gathered in Rabat Sunday morning to rally against draft Law 15-97, which unions argue threatens the right to strike.
The protest, organized by the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), began at 10 a.m. from Bab El Had and brought together workers and union members from various sectors, including the National Union of Educational Assistants (SNAP) under the National Federation of Education (FNE) and the National Health Union.
The march, which stretched from Bab El Had to the Moroccan Parliament, filled the streets of Rabat with a sea of blue, yellow, and purple hats representing different coalitions, all united in their opposition to the proposed strike law.
The atmosphere was tense, as hundreds of police in riot gear as well as several armored vehicles lined the perimeter of the protests. However, although passionate, the protestors were peaceful, chanting and singing their demands along to lively drumming.
The crowd was equally split between mostly middle-aged men and women, and a few Palestinian flags rose above the coalition signage.
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Participants argued that the draft law would impose severe restrictions on workers’ ability to strike, limiting their capacity to negotiate better working conditions and defend their rights.
Hassan Benachour, Regional Secretary of the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), told Morocco World News (MWN): “We are here today in Rabat to respond to the call to defend the right to strike. We’ve gathered to voice our strong opposition to the law proposed by the government, which was introduced unilaterally and without any social or public consultation.”
The CDT also raised broader concerns about the rising cost of living and the steady decline in workers’ purchasing power.
Protesters criticized the government’s inaction on these pressing economic issues and demanded immediate reforms to address inequalities in social security systems. Specifically, they called for the unification of health insurance and pension schemes under CNOPS and CNSS to ensure equitable benefits and contributions.
“We are also protesting the government’s decision to merge CNOPS and CNSS without providing any guarantees or protection for workers’ rights. Furthermore, we are here to demand the protection of retirees’ pensions, to express our opposition to the rising cost of living, and to stand up for the freedoms of unions,” Benachour said.
They also urged the transfer of pre-tenure pension deductions to the Moroccan Pension Fund and the recognition of pre-tenure years as part of seniority calculations.
Protesters reiterated that their demands for fair treatment, recognition of qualifications, and economic relief remain unmet.
As protests concluded this morning, union leaders vow to maintain pressure on the government, stating that workers would not back down until their demands are fulfilled.
“We have come to ensure that the government returns to the negotiating table, as promised in past discussions and agreements on societal laws. Our fight will continue to defend the right to strike and protect our social achievements,” Benachour added.
