Moroccan ministry unions escalate protests over stalled staff statute

Unions representing employees of Morocco's Ministry of Equipment and Water have intensified their protest against the ministry, citing a stalemate in finalizing a new basic statute for staff. The unions, some displaying red armbands to signify "tension" in the sector, met with ministry officials to discuss the agreement summarizing the social dialogue for the government department led by Nizar Baraka.

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Our main demand is the inclusion of an explicit provision for the basic statute project in the agreement.

The core issue revolves around the "delay in issuing the specific basic statute for its employees." Unions presented proposals and amendments, awaiting the final draft of the agreement. They stressed that the agreement must explicitly include the basic statute project and serve as a reference for future demands. They also called for clarity on the statute's progression and continuous updates from the ministry regarding discussions with other government bodies.

Abdallah Ardalan, Secretary-General of the Union of Employees of the Ministry of Equipment and Transport, affiliated with the Moroccan Union of Labor, stated that the meeting concluded with the unions awaiting the final version of the agreement. He emphasized that if the final text does not reflect the agreed-upon points, appropriate action will be taken. "Our main demand is the inclusion of an explicit provision for the basic statute project in the agreement," Ardalan said, also highlighting the need for continuity in administration and public service.

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If the final text does not reflect the agreed-upon points, appropriate action will be taken.

Furthermore, union representatives demanded an increase in travel allowances, citing the current economic pressures and financial difficulties faced by ministry employees. Khalid Nablisi, a union official from the National Union of Public Works Sectors, affiliated with the Democratic Confederation of Labor, confirmed their participation in the meeting with red armbands. He stated that their demands are fundamental and that any "truncation" of their proposals would lead to a refusal to sign and further escalation. The unions are firmly committed to the adoption of the basic statute and the activation of increased allowances, as promised by Minister Nizar Baraka in a previous meeting.

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Our participation in this social dialogue is based on emphasizing issues we consider fundamental, given the direct impact of signing the agreement on the workers.