Major Reform of Strike Rights in Morocco

Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprises, Employment, and Skills, announced that Organic Bill No. 97.15, governing the conditions for exercising the right to strike, was approved by the Social Sectors Committee of the House of Representatives by majority vote. The bill underwent a comprehensive restructuring and substantial amendments.

Following 18 hours of intensive discussions, the bill’s articles were reduced from 49 to 35 at this stage, with further reductions expected. « Over 334 amendments were reviewed, and all opinions, whether supportive or opposing, were heard, » said Sekkouri.

The bill aims to uphold the right to strike while safeguarding citizens’ and workers’ interests. Key changes include:

• Removing bans on strikes for political, solidarity, or alternating reasons.

• Shortening negotiation and strike notification periods.

• Prohibiting the dismissal or discrimination of striking workers.

The bill extends strike rights to previously excluded professionals and expands the entities authorized to call strikes to include all representative unions, not just the most representative ones.

The law aligns with international regulations by eliminating prison sentences and criminal sanctions. It also simplifies the conditions for convening general assemblies.