Moroccan unionist leader decries government's coldness in handling social problems

A Moroccan unionist leader decried on Wednesday the government's "coldness" in handling social issues.

The government has been dealing with "coldness" with social and labor class issues, Abderrazzak Afilal, Secretary-General of the Moroccan General Labor Union (UGTM) told the Moroccan second tv channel 2M.

UGTM had decided to withdraw from the social dialogue between the government, employers and trade unions. Afilal explained his union's position by the "government's non-respect of all its commitments."

He also accused the government of not heeding the trade unions before the preparation of the draft budget of 1999-2000.

"We don't want to topple the government, but we hope that it listens to us," Afilal said, adding that disappointment prevails among all trade unions.

He also called for reviewing salaries in such a way to decrease social disparities in Morocco.

Afilal, whose Union is close to the Istiqlal Party (PI/in government), rejected the idea that UGTM is a pro-government organization. UGTM was set up to defend the labor class interests, he said, adding that PI's participation in the government is not incompatible with the defence of workers and criticizing the government if it errs.