Proposed Law in Morocco Seeks to Extend Holiday Leave for Religious Festivals and Senior Employees
Rabat, Morocco – A new bill has been proposed in Morocco that could significantly impact the amount of time off employees receive for religious holidays and personal leave. Khalid As-Satti and Lubna Alawi, members of the Moroccan House of Councillors representing the National Union of Labor in Morocco, have put forth a proposal to amend the General Statute of the Civil Service.
The proposed changes center around two key areas: extending paid annual leave and providing additional leave for senior employees.
More Time for Celebration and Rejuvenation
Currently, Moroccan law guarantees employees 22 days of paid annual leave. The proposed amendment seeks to increase this to 30 days. As-Satti and Alawi argue that this increase is necessary to provide employees with adequate time for rest and rejuvenation, ultimately leading to increased productivity and morale.
The proposal also addresses the importance of religious holidays in Moroccan culture. By extending annual leave, the amendment aims to ensure that employees have ample time to fully participate in religious festivals and observances without having to dip into their personal leave.
Recognizing the Contributions of Senior Employees
In addition to extending annual leave for all employees, the proposed amendment introduces a provision specifically for senior employees. Under the new proposal, employees over the age of 55 would be entitled to an additional 15 days of leave per year.
This provision recognizes the significant contributions of senior employees and aims to provide them with additional time for rest and personal pursuits. It also acknowledges the unique needs and challenges faced by older workers, promoting a more age-inclusive workplace.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
If passed, this amendment could have a significant impact on the lives of Moroccan workers. Increased leave time could lead to a better work-life balance, improved employee well-being, and a boost to the tourism and leisure industries.
The proposal is currently under review and will need to be debated and voted on by the Moroccan Parliament. It remains to be seen whether the proposed changes will be adopted in their entirety, but the proposal has sparked a conversation about the importance of employee well-being and the value of recognizing the contributions of all workers.
