Labor unions demand government action against market speculators in April’s Social Dialogue

Trade union leaders have vowed to bring the issue of market speculators and middlemen to the forefront of the upcoming April round of social dialogue, stressing that these practices have become a “cancer eating away at the purchasing power of workers and the poor.”

Union officials are calling on the government to take concrete action against price manipulation, which they argue has exacerbated economic hardships for ordinary Moroccans. They have also urged authorities to dispel any suspicion of government complicity in failing to regulate market prices.

A Growing Crisis

Bouchaib Boukhalfa, deputy secretary-general of the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), described the issue as more visible than ever, citing recent findings from the Competition Council and public outcry over price hikes.

“These brokers have grown unchecked while the government remains suspiciously silent,” Boukhalfa told Hespress AR. “We must place this file at the center of the April dialogue. Their unchecked greed is destabilizing the country’s social fabric.”

He further warned that unregulated price inflation is making life increasingly difficult for workers and low-income families, accusing “crisis profiteers and financial criminals” of exploiting the nation’s economic difficulties.

Unions Demand a Strategy

When asked whether his union has a specific plan to counter speculation, Boukhalfa confirmed that the CDT would focus upcoming meetings on strategies to curb market manipulation. He also criticized the government’s approach, claiming it prioritizes business owners over workers.

“I told the Prime Minister during a previous social dialogue session that the government only acts when it serves the interests of employers,” he stated.

Calls for Guarantees

Abdelilah Sayba, a member of the executive board of the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM), also pledged to raise the issue during April’s discussions. He emphasized that union leader Naam Miyara has previously highlighted the role of middlemen in driving up costs.

“Moroccans need guarantees that they will no longer be at the mercy of greedy individuals committing what amounts to an economic crime,” Sayba told Hespress AR.

He acknowledged government efforts, such as wage increases, but argued that price gouging has erased any financial gains for workers.

“Despite salary increases, speculators have prevented citizens from benefiting from reforms,” he noted. “It is time for a joint effort between the government and unions to combat these powerful lobbying groups.”

Sayba also stressed that tackling price manipulation is essential to protecting the country’s economic growth, warning that unchecked profiteering across sectors is exacerbating financial hardship for millions.

As April’s social dialogue approaches, unions are expected to push for legislative and regulatory measures to rein in price speculation and safeguard household purchasing power.