Parliamentary Controversy in Morocco: UMT Parliamentary Group Walks Out of Strike Law Vote
The Moroccan House of Councillors witnessed heated tensions on the morning of Monday, February 3, 2025, during the final vote on the organic law governing the right to strike. The parliamentary group of the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT) decided to walk out of the session, protesting what they described as “restrictions on free debate.”
Protest Against Reduced Speaking Time
During the session, UMT members strongly objected to the decision by the session’s chair, which limited the discussion time on the law’s articles to just two minutes. Union-affiliated councillors considered this an unfair measure, arguing that it restricted their right to fully express their views on a law that directly affects workers’ rights.
Union Opposition to the Draft Law
Meanwhile, the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT) staged a protest inside the chamber, holding banners denouncing the law, which they described as “imposed by the government without sufficient consultation with unions.” The unions argue that the proposed legislation restricts the right to strike, imposes strict conditions on its exercise, and weakens workers’ ability to defend their legitimate demands.
Union Mobilization and Expected Escalation
Following the approval of the bill by the Committee on Education, Social, and Cultural Affairs on January 31, the draft law is now set to be reviewed and voted on by the House of Representatives in a second reading.
In response to what they called the “forced passage” of the law, both UMT and CDT have called for a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, February 5, protesting the government’s refusal to accommodate union demands before finalizing the legislation.
Will Social Dialogue Defuse the Crisis?
Amid rising union unrest, observers are questioning whether the government will reopen social dialogue to address union concerns and seek a compromise solution, or if it will proceed with the law’s enactment as it stands, potentially escalating social tensions across the country.
