Latest news with #OrganicLaw97.15
Ya Biladi
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco trade union considers international action against strike law
The National Federation of the Agricultural Sector (FNSA), affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), has joined forces with the Center for Study, Research, and Information on the Mechanisms Behind Underdevelopment (CETIM) to challenge Organic Law 97.15 on the right to strike in Morocco through international mechanisms. Passed by Parliament on February 5, despite opposition from trade unions, the law prompted a two-day general strike in protest. Among the unions, the UMT withdrew from the vote in the House of Councillors, denouncing a governmental approach that, in its view, renders social dialogue meaningless. In a joint statement, the FNSA and CETIM announced they had filed a complaint with international human rights protection mechanisms against what they describe as severe restrictions on the right to strike, particularly in the agricultural sector, where workers already face deep-seated precariousness. «We have sought and requested the intervention of UN mechanisms to ensure the protection of the rights of Moroccan agricultural workers and farmers», the two organizations stated. Their complaint also calls on the Moroccan government to revise the legislation to align with its international human rights commitments and the conventions to which Morocco is a state party. A Last Resort Badr Ourich, secretary-general of the FNSA, confirmed this course of action to Yabiladi. Speaking to Yabiladi on Wednesday, he described it as «the ultimate legal recourse available to workers after exhausting national channels», given that the Constitutional Court reviewed the law and upheld it without objection on March 25. According to Ourich, «this review served more to ease the legislator's embarrassment than to thoroughly analyze the law's provisions and assess their compliance with constitutional principles». The FNSA had already expressed its opposition to the bill before it was debated in Parliament. «We share the legal interpretation of our central union (UMT), which has been validated by constitutional law experts who highlighted the need to revise this law to align it with democratic principles and the rule of law», Ourich added. The UMT previously argued that the Constitutional Court should have declared certain provisions of the law unconstitutional, particularly those exceeding the constitutionally defined scope of an organic law, which should only regulate «the conditions and modalities for exercising the right to strike». The organization also criticized «a flawed interpretation of constitutional provisions defining the right to strike», arguing that the law severely restricts workers' ability to mobilize, undermining what should be a fundamental freedom. A Law That Continues to Spark Debate On Wednesday in Geneva, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised Morocco's adoption of Law 97.15 and its validation by the Constitutional Court. Following a meeting with Moroccan Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, Younes Sekkouri, he also commended the social dialogue process that accompanied the law's drafting and approval. For his part, Sekkouri emphasized that «with the adoption of Law 97.15 and its validation by the Constitutional Court, Morocco has taken an important step in regulating labor relations by introducing a minimum service requirement». However, the FNSA and CETIM counter that Morocco's Constitution has guaranteed the right to strike since 1962, reaffirming it in Article 29 of the 2011 Constitution. They argue that rural workers, particularly in the informal sector, require specific protections that would allow them to exercise their right to strike without fear of reprisals. According to the two organizations, the new organic law «drastically limits» the ability to mobilize collectively, making it «difficult, if not impossible» to demand fairer working conditions. They criticize its «insurmountable administrative barriers» and «disproportionate penal sanctions», which they argue deprive many workers of their right to collective action. Union data reveals that over 80% of rural workers in Morocco are employed informally, without contracts or social protections, in an environment where the agricultural minimum wage (SMAG) remains 30% lower than the industrial minimum wage (SMIG). The FNSA and CETIM argue that Law 97.15 prevents spontaneous strikes and imposes overly complex procedures, effectively excluding most rural workers from mobilization. The two organizations also highlight that the law contradicts the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP), a binding convention Morocco supported at the UN General Assembly in 2018. Additionally, they cite the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, particularly Article 8 of UNDROP, which guarantees rural workers the right to freedom of assembly, expression, and collective action to defend their rights. The passage of Law 97.15 has widened the rift between the government and labor unions, drawing international organizations into the debate. While the government views the law as a crucial step toward formalizing labor relations, unions argue that it undermines fundamental rights and disproportionately harms Morocco's most vulnerable workers. With international mechanisms now involved, the coming months will reveal whether Morocco reconsiders the legislation or stands firm on its current path.
Ya Biladi
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco trade union considers international action against strike law
DR Estimated read time: 3' The National Federation of the Agricultural Sector (FNSA), affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), has joined forces with the Center for Study, Research, and Information on the Mechanisms Behind Underdevelopment (CETIM) to challenge Organic Law 97.15 on the right to strike in Morocco through international mechanisms. Passed by Parliament on February 5, despite opposition from trade unions, the law prompted a two-day general strike in protest. Among the unions, the UMT withdrew from the vote in the House of Councillors, denouncing a governmental approach that, in its view, renders social dialogue meaningless. In a joint statement, the FNSA and CETIM announced they had filed a complaint with international human rights protection mechanisms against what they describe as severe restrictions on the right to strike, particularly in the agricultural sector, where workers already face deep-seated precariousness. «We have sought and requested the intervention of UN mechanisms to ensure the protection of the rights of Moroccan agricultural workers and farmers», the two organizations stated. Their complaint also calls on the Moroccan government to revise the legislation to align with its international human rights commitments and the conventions to which Morocco is a state party. A Last Resort Badr Ourich, secretary-general of the FNSA, confirmed this course of action to Yabiladi. Speaking to Yabiladi on Wednesday, he described it as «the ultimate legal recourse available to workers after exhausting national channels», given that the Constitutional Court reviewed the law and upheld it without objection on March 25. According to Ourich, «this review served more to ease the legislator's embarrassment than to thoroughly analyze the law's provisions and assess their compliance with constitutional principles». The FNSA had already expressed its opposition to the bill before it was debated in Parliament. «We share the legal interpretation of our central union (UMT), which has been validated by constitutional law experts who highlighted the need to revise this law to align it with democratic principles and the rule of law», Ourich added. The UMT previously argued that the Constitutional Court should have declared certain provisions of the law unconstitutional, particularly those exceeding the constitutionally defined scope of an organic law, which should only regulate «the conditions and modalities for exercising the right to strike». The organization also criticized «a flawed interpretation of constitutional provisions defining the right to strike», arguing that the law severely restricts workers' ability to mobilize, undermining what should be a fundamental freedom. A Law That Continues to Spark Debate On Wednesday in Geneva, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised Morocco's adoption of Law 97.15 and its validation by the Constitutional Court. Following a meeting with Moroccan Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, Younes Sekkouri, he also commended the social dialogue process that accompanied the law's drafting and approval. For his part, Sekkouri emphasized that «with the adoption of Law 97.15 and its validation by the Constitutional Court, Morocco has taken an important step in regulating labor relations by introducing a minimum service requirement». However, the FNSA and CETIM counter that Morocco's Constitution has guaranteed the right to strike since 1962, reaffirming it in Article 29 of the 2011 Constitution. They argue that rural workers, particularly in the informal sector, require specific protections that would allow them to exercise their right to strike without fear of reprisals. According to the two organizations, the new organic law «drastically limits» the ability to mobilize collectively, making it «difficult, if not impossible» to demand fairer working conditions. They criticize its «insurmountable administrative barriers» and «disproportionate penal sanctions», which they argue deprive many workers of their right to collective action. Union data reveals that over 80% of rural workers in Morocco are employed informally, without contracts or social protections, in an environment where the agricultural minimum wage (SMAG) remains 30% lower than the industrial minimum wage (SMIG). The FNSA and CETIM argue that Law 97.15 prevents spontaneous strikes and imposes overly complex procedures, effectively excluding most rural workers from mobilization. The two organizations also highlight that the law contradicts the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP), a binding convention Morocco supported at the UN General Assembly in 2018. Additionally, they cite the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, particularly Article 8 of UNDROP, which guarantees rural workers the right to freedom of assembly, expression, and collective action to defend their rights. The passage of Law 97.15 has widened the rift between the government and labor unions, drawing international organizations into the debate. While the government views the law as a crucial step toward formalizing labor relations, unions argue that it undermines fundamental rights and disproportionately harms Morocco's most vulnerable workers. With international mechanisms now involved, the coming months will reveal whether Morocco reconsiders the legislation or stands firm on its current path.
Morocco World
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
CDT Pressures Government With New Protest Against Economic Struggles
Rabat – The Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) has announced a national march in Casablanca on Sunday, February 23, in protest against rising prices, declining purchasing power, and growing unemployment. The union denounced what it described as 'interference between wealth and power,' pointing to economic hardship and what it sees as government indifference to workers' concerns. 'This is not just about wages. Families struggle to afford basic necessities, and the government refuses to listen,' the CDT said in a statement. This mobilization follows the general strike on February 5 and 6. The CDT strongly criticized the government's approach, accusing it of 'undermining hard-won rights and restricting union freedoms.' The union rejected what it called 'regressive and unpopular laws,' passed without consultation. Among them is Organic Law 97.15 on the right to strike, approved by the House of Representatives on the same day as the unions' general strike. UMT-affiliated members opposed the bill, walking out before the voting began to protest against what they saw as a rushed and unilateral decision. The CDT also condemned the proposed transfer of CNOPS (National Fund for Social Welfare Organizations) to CNSS (National Social Security Fund), a move it argues would weaken healthcare coverage for workers. 'The government bears full responsibility for rising social tensions,' the CDT stated, accusing authorities of ignoring the framework for negotiations outlined in the National Charter of April 30, 2022. The union urged 'all national, local, and sectoral trade union structures, professional organizations, workers, and citizens' to take part in the march. Earlier this month, labor unions warned that the general strike marked only the beginning of broader resistance and social upheaval if the government doesn't respond to their demands. Tags: CDTMorocco governmentSocial Problemsstrike law in Morocco
Morocco World
12-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccan Parliament's Upper House Wraps Up Fall Session with 32 Bills Passed
Doha – The Moroccan Parliament's Upper House concluded its fall session today with the approval of 32 legislative texts, including a landmark organic law regulating the right to strike, according to House of Councillors President Mohamed Ould Errachid. The Royal Cabinet received a message from Ould Errachid to King Mohammed VI, expressing loyalty on behalf of all chamber members at the session's closure. In his closing address, Ould Errachid extolled the passage of Organic Law 97.15, which establishes conditions for exercising the right to strike. The law was adopted following what he described as 'serious and constructive dialogue' among chamber members. The legislative body focused on issues affecting citizens across economic, financial, agricultural, industrial, and social sectors. Key attention was given to territorial organization, urban rehabilitation, and accelerating the implementation of advanced regionalization. Two thematic working groups were established during the session. The first will prepare for the annual discussion on public policies related to investment and employment, while the second will develop a report on Morocco's territorial integrity. The Chamber strengthened cooperation with several constitutional institutions, including the Court of Accounts, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication. On the diplomatic front, the Chamber expanded bilateral relations with parliaments of partner countries and enhanced its participation in parliamentary bodies across Africa, the Arab world, Latin America, and the Euro-Mediterranean region. The legislative achievements included the ratification of international conventions aimed at strengthening Morocco's bilateral and multilateral relationships and reinforcing its international position. The Chamber maintained its oversight role through oral and written questions, and monthly sessions dedicated to public policy inquiries. These sessions addressed citizen concerns regarding urban development and regional implementation programs. With an eye on the future, the Chamber plans to intensify its efforts based on its strategic plan, with a particular focus on parliamentary diplomacy and territorial integrity matters. Read also: Moroccan Parliament Approves 27 International Agreements to Boost Cooperation Tags: Legislative AchievementsMoroccan ParliamentParliamentary Diplomacy
