Trade unions call for drastic measures to improve the situation of workers

Most of the trade unions that took to the street on Sunday throughout Morocco to celebrate the May 1 Labor day deplored the problems facing workers and called for drastic measures to improve their situation.

Abusive dismissals, deprivation of trade union rights, the weakness of purchasing power and the strong unemployment rate (especially for young graduates) were points deplored by most unions, that highlighted the absence of a national policy to fight unemployment and the lack of a constructive and permanent social dialogue.

Some Unions deemed that collective dismissals and the shutdown of enterprises without legal foundations show the government incapability to effectively impose law.

They called for protecting and broadening trade unions liberties, improving the living conditions of salaried workers and for drawing up a national plan to fight unemployment.

They also urged for the reassessment of salaries so as to minimize social disparities, the adoption of a fair fiscal system, the establishment of an institutionalised social dialogue and the support of the struggle of working women to safeguard their rights.

The situation of working women was highlighted by several trade Unions that deplored discrimination against them, the violation of their maternity rights, and the increase of violence against women workers who work in plants located in remote neighborhoods.