Morocco projects no increase in minimum wages, joblessness decreased

Morocco is projecting no increase in minimum wages for the time being, announced Moroccan employment minister, Abbas El Fassi on the eve of Labor Day celebrated this May 1st.

El Fassi told the Moroccan second TV channel 2M that the employers' Association and trade unions agreed that it was difficult to increase wages for the time being and that in view of the fragility of Moroccan economy, enterprises cannot bear such an increase.

Agreement was reached to conduct case-by-case negotiations between trade unions and enterprises, he added insisting on the need to take into account the country's economy.

In another statement to the Moroccan first TV channel RTM, El Fassi said unemployment in Morocco decreased by 100,000 in 2001.

The official said the present Moroccan government scored progress in several fields, despite a difficult juncture. He cited, in this connection, the increase in the number of subscribers to social security (156,000 new subscribers in 2001) and the promotion of employment through self-employment mechanisms.

He announced that a United Arab Emirates enterprise will employ 30,000 Moroccans, with the help of US and European firms, instead of the initially proposed 20,000. The UAE firm, which organizes cruises, has opted for Moroccan manpower instead of its traditional Pakistani, Indian and Kenyan staff.