Moroccan Workers Union Raises Alarm Over Restrictive Strike Law Proposal
The Moroccan Workers Union (MWU) has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of a proposed strike law, denouncing it as a significant setback for workers-strike-toll-booth-disruptions/” title=”Morocco Toll Workers Strike Causes Partial Highway Paralysis”>workers’ rights. The law, originally drafted in 2016 under the Justice and Development Party government, has resurfaced after the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, requested an opinion from the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (ESEC).
The MWU contends that the proposed law, officially known as Organizational Law No. 97-15 on Strikes, is designed to stifle workers’ ability to engage in industrial action. In a memorandum addressed to Ahmed Reda Chami, President of the ESEC, the union expressed its bewilderment at the revival of this “rejected and frozen” legislation.
The union argues that the law, if passed, would have dire consequences not only for the labor movement but also for the broader landscape of human rights in Morocco. They label it as the “worst” draft law concerning strikes since 2001, when the first such legislation was proposed.
Among the MWU’s key concerns are:
Restrictive Definition of a Strike: The law’s narrow definition of a strike would exclude various forms of industrial action and categories of workers, effectively limiting their ability to voice grievances.
Excessive Procedural Hurdles: The proposed law mandates lengthy and complex negotiation, mediation, and conciliation processes before a strike can even be considered. This, the MWU argues, would significantly weaken the impact of any potential strike action.
Penalization of Striking Workers: The law allows for wage deductions for striking workers, disregarding the fact that strikes are often a last resort to defend labor rights and ensure the enforcement of existing labor laws.
Vague Definition of “Obstruction of Work”: The MWU criticizes the law’s broad definition of “obstruction of work,” which could be used to criminalize legitimate strike activities and subject workers and unions to legal action, including fines and imprisonment.
The MWU’s concerns highlight the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in Morocco. The right to strike is a fundamental labor right recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), of which Morocco is a member. The ILO emphasizes that the right to strike is essential for collective bargaining and ensuring fair working conditions.
The proposed law’s reemergence has sparked debate about the balance between protecting workers’ rights and ensuring economic stability. It remains to be seen how the ESEC will respond to the MWU’s concerns and what impact their memorandum will have on the legislative process.
