Morocco’s labor unions have launched a one-day nationwide strike in protest against a controversial bill they claim will severely limit workers’ rights to protest and prioritize business and foreign investments over worker protections. The strike, which took place on February 5, 2025, saw workers walk off the job from factories in Casablanca to the dockyards of Tangiers, marking a significant show of dissent.
The unrest centers on draft law 97.15, a piece of legislation that aims to regulate strikes by imposing stringent conditions on their legality. While the government argues that the bill is intended to restore order in labor disputes, unions view it as an attempt to stifle dissent and further marginalize workers. The proposed law has sparked widespread opposition, with critics accusing the government of neglecting the financial struggles of workers amid rising living costs and stagnant wages.
For unions, this dispute represents more than just a legal issue. It reflects broader frustrations with Morocco’s economic policies under Prime Minister Aziz Akhennouch, who is seen by many as prioritizing the interests of tycoons and foreign investors at the expense of the country’s workforce. Despite the government’s push to pass the bill with little resistance, public protests and strikes continue to gather momentum.
The strike is a clear signal of growing discontent among workers who feel their rights are being eroded in favor of business interests. The outcome of this battle over labor laws could have lasting implications for Morocco’s labor landscape, with unions pledging to continue their fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and the preservation of their right to protest.
Image by Benjamin Bellier from Pixabay
