The National Labor Union of Morocco (UNTM ) held a press conference in Rabat on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, to express its position on the draft organic law regulating the exercise of the right to strike. The union criticized the current draft, viewing it as an attempt to restrict union freedoms and curtail the constitutional right to strike.
Although the right to strike has been constitutionally recognized since 1962, successive governments have hesitated to legislate it, resulting in numerous legal and societal issues. The 2011 Constitution reaffirmed this right in Article 29 as a fundamental freedom but deferred its regulation to an organic law that remains pending.
During the conference, the UNTM explicitly rejected the provisions of the current draft, arguing that it imposes administrative and legal constraints that limit union freedoms. The union emphasized that it had proposed rights-based amendments aimed at balancing the protection of this constitutional right with ensuring freedom of work.
The union also announced the formation of a legal committee to analyze the draft and propose substantive amendments to align it with the constitution and international agreements signed by Morocco. It called for parallel legislation, including a law on unions, revisions to Article 288 of the Penal Code, and the ratification of International Convention No. 87 to protect union rights.
Furthermore, the UNTM stressed the importance of societal dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders before adopting any law governing strikes. It asserted that prioritizing consensus and public interest is the best way to avoid social tensions.
In its concluding remarks, the union urged a reconsideration of the draft law currently under review in the House of Councillors, reiterating its rejection of the restrictive provisions. It called for a comprehensive vision that considers all legal and social dimensions to ensure justice and democratization in the union landscape.
source : fesnews media