The Democratic Confederation of Labour (CDT) has renewed its call for the Moroccan government to resume oil refining activities in the country and protect the associated rights and interests of workers, according to a letter released by the union on Friday.
Abdelkader Zayer, the General Secretary of the CDT, emphasized that the new appeal follows up on previous requests made in April and July 2024 concerning the situation of the Samir Refining Company, which has been non-operational since August 2015 and is currently undergoing judicial liquidation. The union has repeatedly called for the company’s activities to be resumed under government supervision.
Zayer criticized the prolonged delays in resolving the issue, stating that the main obstacle has been the lack of a clear stance from the government regarding the future of the country’s petroleum industry. He also pointed to an ongoing dispute between Morocco and the former majority owner of Samir, which has complicated efforts to revive the company. The union welcomed the recent international arbitration ruling on November 6, 2024, which it believes removes any remaining justifications for the government to avoid addressing the issue.
“The state’s delay in resolving this matter has caused significant economic losses and has hindered the country’s energy sovereignty,” Zayer said. “We urge the government to act swiftly to restart operations at the Moroccan Petroleum Refinery.”
The CDT also called for the immediate restoration of workers’ rights, including the full payment of pensions and wages, which have been withheld since 2016, and the freezing of more than 40% of workers’ salaries. The union emphasized the need to preserve both the human and financial capital of Samir.
The union further argues that oil refining remains a critical sector for Morocco, with petroleum accounting for over 50% of the country’s energy mix. The CDT claims that the Moroccan refinery could still meet more than 67% of national demand, and its revival would contribute significantly to national development, energy sovereignty, and job creation.
However, the union warned that continued delays in addressing the issue could lead to irreversible losses, both in terms of the company’s assets and its workforce, after nearly a decade of stagnation.
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