Rain in Morocco, more than elsewhere, remains a strategic fact and has both economic and mythical importance. The government must seize these euphoric moments to bring the planned reforms to fruition and continue the projects in progress. First of all, we will highlight the continuation of the legislative process for the adoption of the organic law relating to the exercise of the right to strike. If this process has gone through the stage of the House of Representatives relying on the numerical majority, the hardest part still remains to be done at the level of the House of Advisors where the trade union organizations are represented which have never ceased to reject this project considering it as annihilating the right to strike.
We should show more openness to arrive at a modus vivendi that suits all stakeholders: workers, employers (private and public). A difficult mission but it is not impossible provided you demonstrate flexibility and openness. The ideal, for such an organic law, would be to reach a consensus to give a long life to the text and create relationships of trust. Of course, an organic law is what it is. It does not provide a solution to all work problems.
It should be accompanied by other no less important measures: the ratification of all the fundamental conventions of the ILO, in particular Convention 87 relating to freedom of association; encouraging social partners to conclude collective agreements; the adoption of the law on unions with a view to rationalizing the union field and putting an end to “union shops” which only pollute the union field, respect for labor legislation while revamping the labor code work ; the fight against the informal sector and the precarious employment which is consubstantial with it…
It is by creating relationships of trust between social partners that it would become easy to launch the project relating to pension reform. In this regard, it is absolutely essential to put on the table all the data relating to the problem of reform instead of distilling information piecemeal or making announcements that do not hold water. This social project par excellence and of great sensitivity, deserves a global treatment and a prospective approach. But first, a diagnosis that is as objective as possible is necessary.
If the principle of moving towards two regimes, one public and the other private seems accepted, we should definitely not adopt a downward alignment. On the contrary, we need an upward alignment given the paltry amount of certain pensions, particularly in the private sector. Consequently, for a reform to be accepted, it would first be necessary to correct existing anomalies and have a new vision of retirement and retirees. Alongside the pension, a series of other advantages relating to access to public services and everything likely to contribute to the well-being of the retiree should be provided.
Another social issue relates to the generalization of social protection. So far, a lot has been done, at least on paper. We rush to pretend we are on schedule. This way of proceeding leaves damage behind. And in the end, no goal is completely achieved. In terms of the generalization of the AMO, which should in principle be completed by the end of 2022, we note, at today’s value, that 8 million people, or more than 20% of the population, do not yet benefit from it. It is the same for the generalization of family allowances with the turmoil which accompanied direct social assistance following the adoption of this cursed indicator that constitutes “al mouachir” and whose composition is subject to criticism.
The year 2025 should normally be the year in which the generalization of social protection is completed by expanding affiliation to pension schemes and generalizing the benefit of job loss compensation. Remember that half of employees in the private sector have not yet been declared to the CNSS despite the continuous effort made by this institution through its agents, who work in tandem with the body of labor inspectors. It is an immense challenge that requires both perseverance and teaching.
This vast project of generalization of social protection can only succeed and be brought to its conclusion by fulfilling the following conditions: ensuring the sustainability of its financing (more than 50 billion DH per year); have an efficient healthcare offering both in terms of hospital infrastructure and healthcare workers, while putting an end to medical deserts; adopt a preventive health policy through education and awareness campaigns; have a global approach to health, “one health”, encompassing animal health, good nutrition, a healthy environment, etc.
We must not forget the regions affected by the earthquake of September 2023 and those which were devastated by the devastating floods in September 2024. While praising the efforts made to help affected households and repair the damage caused following high instructions royals, it should be noted that everything is not yet back in order. There is still much to do, particularly in terms of housing construction (Haouz) and the restoration of hydraulic networks (South-East). Meanwhile, residents continue to live in makeshift shelters with temperatures below zero.
However, where the government is most expected is in terms of employment. He promised us to make it his first priority during the remainder of his mandate and especially during this year. Without making a premature judgment on his intentions, there is every reason to fear that the miracle will not occur as long as the same causes produce the same effects. His roadmap, the entire content of which he has not revealed, does not frankly address the real problems. Employment cannot be decreed. We can never say it enough. It depends on growth, but not just any growth: growth that truly generates jobs. And on this level, we have not seen anything new except “doing something new with the old”
The year 2025 is considered a pivotal year. It is during this year that all the reforms must be completed. The government has a duty to create the right conditions to carry out these reforms in a peaceful climate and a preference for constructive dialogue. This involves sending strong signals relating to improving the standard of living of the population, reducing social and territorial inequalities, the fight against poverty, corruption and above all putting an end to conflicts of interest. which seriously tarnished its image and credibility. We have to go straight if we really want to celebrate together during CAN 2025 which will be played in our stadiums from December 21. It’s tomorrow!
Par By Abdeslam Seddiki, professor and former Minister of Employment
NB: I did not properly address the reform of the Family Code. This societal project alone deserves more than one column
