25 July, 2019Trade unions in Morocco have launched a campaign against a draft law that violates the constitutional right to strike in the country.

Unions are demanding the proposed legislation, which limits the right to strike, is withdrawn for adoption by the Moroccan parliament.

The draft regulatory law No. 15.97 was written without consultation or negotiation with trade unions, contravening fundamental International Labour Organization Conventions 87 and 98.

The right to strike is upheld in chapter 29 of the Moroccan constitution, but now the government is trying to restrict the conditions for striking in law for the first time.

Moroccan unions say the bill would turn a universal human right into an instrument of oppression, directed primarily at protestors and trade unionists. Unions are collecting signatures against the bill, and plan to mobilize.

The legislation is part of a growing attack on trade union rights and freedoms in the country. Trade unions have mounted numerous demonstrations, strikes and marches in protest at the widespread violations against trade unions and trade union leaders, which go unpunished by the government.

IndustriALL general secretary, Valter Sanches, said:

“IndustriALL Global Union urges the Government of Morocco to withdraw the draft law on the right to strike, which was written and submitted unilaterally to Parliament for adoption, and has not been the subject of tripartite discussions with partners.”

Unions are demanding that fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining are respected and that the Moroccan government commits to tripartite social dialogue.