Thousands March in Rabat to Denounce Morocco’s Proposed Strike Law

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 20th, 2025 — In an unmistakable display of dissent, thousands of Moroccans took to the streets of Rabat on Sunday, voicing fierce opposition to the government’s contentious draft law on the right to strike. Responding to a nationwide call by the Front for the Defense of the Right to Strike, demonstrators condemned the move as an attack on workers’ rights and a blatant disregard for dialogue with social partners.

The protesters, spanning trade unions, political opposition parties, and civil society organizations, accused the government of employing its parliamentary majority to push through legislation they deemed “a regression and a betrayal of decades-long labor struggles.” Placards and chants resounded through the streets, branding the proposal as a “flagrant violation” of Morocco’s Constitution and international conventions safeguarding workers’ rights.

Organizers reported that the march, commencing from Bab Al Ahad Square, aimed to deliver a resounding message to authorities: the right to strike is a non-negotiable cornerstone of democracy and social justice. Social media and local media coverage highlighted the overwhelming public sentiment against the government’s unilateral approach.

Critics argue that the draft law seeks to impose severe restrictions, effectively neutralizing strikes as a tool for collective bargaining and dissent. Protesters likened the proposed measures to an infringement on fundamental freedoms, with one union leader asserting, “This legislation undermines not only workers’ rights but also Morocco’s international commitments to human rights.”

Echoing these sentiments, representatives of major labor unions underscored that the right to strike is enshrined in Morocco’s Constitution and international treaties ratified by the state. “It is not a privilege granted by the government but a fundamental right won through years of sacrifice and struggle,” emphasized one participant.

The march also highlighted broader grievances with the government’s perceived authoritarian tendencies. Protesters accused officials of exploiting their parliamentary dominance to override opposition voices, disregarding prior agreements, and sidelining social dialogue mechanisms.

Speakers at the rally warned of the grave consequences of such policies, cautioning that the government’s intransigence risks igniting widespread social unrest. “This law does not merely hinder union activity; it threatens the fragile social peace and fuels tensions in an already precarious socio-economic climate,” stated a union spokesperson.

The protest, described by participants as an emblem of unity across diverse sectors, underscores growing dissatisfaction with policies many view as “irresponsible” and “out of touch” with the realities of workers’ lives. As the crowd dispersed, chants of “No compromise on our rights!” reverberated, signaling the resilience of a movement committed to safeguarding Morocco’s labor rights against what they perceive as governmental overreach.

Sunday’s march is the latest in a series of escalating demonstrations against the proposed legislation, highlighting the increasing disconnect between Morocco’s leadership and its citizens. The message from Rabat’s streets is unequivocal: any attempt to undermine workers’ constitutional rights will be met with unwavering resistance.

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