Moroccan taxi union condemns reported 40% cut in transport support

Morocco’s National Union of Taxi Professionals has condemned a reported 40% reduction in government support for road transport workers, questioning the decision as fuel prices remain elevated.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the union said the reduction was introduced without prior notice or explanation. It said no change to the level of support or the criteria used to calculate it was communicated when applications for payments covering the second half of July opened Aug. 6.

The union said transport professionals were therefore not informed that the amount of support would change.

It also criticized delays in other payments, saying support for June and the first half of July had yet to be paid. Applications for support covering the second half of August, from Aug. 16-31, had also not opened, according to the union.

The union said the government had provided no convincing explanation for the reported reduction, particularly given what it described as persistently high fuel prices in Morocco compared with international oil prices.

It stressed that the exceptional support program was introduced to help transport professionals cope with rising fuel costs and should not be viewed as a privilege granted to the sector.

“Suddenly reducing it without consultation or prior notice shows disregard for the interests of thousands of professionals and their families,” the union said.

It argued that changing the amount after the application process had already begun undermines transparency and equal treatment among beneficiaries.

The union also questioned the timing of the reported reduction, saying the government’s decision could fuel protests and tensions among transport workers as the current administration approaches the end of its term.

It warned that any resulting tensions could be left for the next government to address.

The union called on the government to reverse the reported 40% reduction, restore support to its previous level, explain the basis for the change and pay all outstanding amounts.

Road freight transport unions said last week that the government planned to reduce support for the second half of July by 40% compared with previous payments.

However, a source at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics told Hespress AR that the ministry had not announced any new decision concerning the outstanding payment for the second half of July.

The reported reduction and the status of the delayed payments could therefore remain subject to clarification from the government.