Moroccan unions threaten more protests as they criticize government’s final record

As Morocco’s government enters the final stretch of its mandate, labor unions are intensifying criticism of its record, arguing that major promises remain unfulfilled despite progress on some workers’ demands.

Union leaders say that while the government approved salary increases and introduced reforms to the education sector’s basic statute, it failed to address the concerns of retirees, primary and middle school teachers, and households struggling with rising living costs.

They also renewed their opposition to Morocco’s controversial strike law and warned that protests will continue.

Miloudi Moukharik, secretary-general of the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), acknowledged that some of the unions’ demands had been met, particularly wage increases and measures affecting education staff.

However, he said those gains were overshadowed by what he described as the government’s continued neglect of primary and middle school teachers.

“There has been no concrete proposal for this category of teachers,” Moukharik told Hespress, arguing that the reforms promoted by the government remain incomplete without what he called “real and constitutional fairness” for educators who form the backbone of Morocco’s education system.

He said the union had hoped the government would adopt a broader and more equitable approach before the end of its term, but instead left what he described as “a clear black mark” by ignoring teachers’ longstanding demands.

Moukharik also criticized the government’s handling of retirees, saying pension increases had been excluded from the agenda despite repeated calls from unions.

He described the lack of action on pensions as another lasting stain on the government’s record.

The union leader further condemned the adoption of Morocco’s strike law, accusing authorities of disregarding international recommendations aimed at protecting the right to strike.

According to Moukharik, the government has shown little willingness to implement recommendations issued by international bodies as far back as 2003.

He said the UMT would continue organizing demonstrations and strikes until what it considers legitimate demands are met.

Ali Lotfi, secretary-general of the Democratic Organization of Labor (ODT), also criticized the government’s performance, describing its achievements as “very limited” and arguing that it had failed to implement the recommendations outlined in Morocco’s New Development Model.

Lotfi said the government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis had fallen short, with rising food and fuel prices eroding purchasing power despite salary increases.

He also accused the government of abandoning retirees and their beneficiaries after years of contribution to the country’s development.

The ODT, he added, plans to continue organizing protests, including demonstrations outside Parliament, to push for what it described as the protection of workers’ rights and the fulfillment of their demands.

The criticism comes as the government approaches the end of its term amid mounting pressure from labor organizations over social and economic issues that remain unresolved.