Moroccan Agricultural Unions Announce Escalating Strikes, Demanding Farmers’ Rights
Moroccan Agricultural Workers Gear Up for Nationwide Strikes in September
Facing stagnant wages and a lack of progress on key labor rights issues, Moroccan agricultural workers are preparing for a series of nationwide strikes throughout September. The call to action comes from a coalition of five agricultural unions, including the Moroccan Union of Agriculture (UMA), affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT).
These unions are demanding the government address long-standing concerns regarding wages, retirement benefits, and the formalization of their legal status. The planned strikes represent an escalation of worker frustrations, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and concrete solutions.
Here’s a breakdown of the planned strike actions:
September 4-5: Two-day nationwide strike
September 11-12: Two-day nationwide strike
September 19: One-day nationwide strike
September 25-26: Two-day nationwide strike
The unions are urging all workers in regional agricultural offices across Morocco to participate in these demonstrations. Their demands center around the long-awaited formalization of the Basic Law for Regional Agricultural Investment Offices (ORMVA). This law, first drafted in 1975, has remained in a provisional state, leaving workers in a precarious position.
Key demands from the unions include:
Immediate adoption of the Basic Law for ORMVA: This would provide much-needed legal protections and stability for agricultural workers.
Retroactive implementation of the law from January 1, 2020: This would ensure workers are compensated for the years they have worked without the benefits of a formalized legal framework.
* Improved retirement benefits: The unions are calling for a review of the current retirement system (RCAR), which they argue provides inadequate pensions. They are also demanding that ORMVA contribute to a supplementary retirement fund (RECORE) to ensure a decent standard of living for retired agricultural workers.
The unions have accused the government of stalling on these issues, particularly criticizing the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, and the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance for the lack of progress. They argue that the government has failed to prioritize the needs of agricultural workers, who play a vital role in Morocco’s economy.
This planned wave of strikes underscores the growing discontent among Moroccan agricultural workers. The outcome of these demonstrations could have significant implications for the agricultural sector and the broader Moroccan economy. It remains to be seen whether the government will engage in meaningful dialogue with the unions to address these pressing concerns and avert further labor unrest.
