The Moroccan National Health Union, affiliated with the Democratic Confederation of Labor, has announced a national strike for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and boycotted an upcoming meeting with Health Minister Youns Bekkaje. The union expressed concerns over what it perceives as a retraction of government commitments and professional and social gains for healthcare workers.
The dispute centers around the second point of an agreement made on July 23, 2024, related to the payment of health professionals' salaries from the state's general budget. The union argues that draft finance and budget laws for 2027 contradict these guarantees. Specifically, it objects to the inclusion of salary credits under equipment and miscellaneous expenses and their conversion into directed aid to territorial health groups.
The union emphasizes that employees' salaries are legitimate claims for their work and demands that guarantees for their financing and payment from the state's general budget be maintained. Citing Article 23 of the 2025 Finance Law, the union asserts that this law confirms the state's general budget will continue to bear the salaries of enrolled, trainee, and contracted employees.
The union's decision to strike and boycott meetings is based on its commitment to protecting the gains of healthcare workers and providing additional incentives to improve services to citizens. It views respect for previous commitments as a condition for maintaining trust in this process. The union has called on government officials to review contentious provisions and implement agreed-upon commitments.
Key demands include the preservation of salary guarantees for health professionals employed in territorial health groups and elsewhere. The union retains the right to take further action as the situation develops. This move escalates tensions in the healthcare sector, which has seen previous disputes over working conditions and compensation.
The national strike and boycott reflect broader concerns within Morocco's healthcare system. The sector has faced challenges, including understaffing and inadequate resources. The union's actions highlight the need for sustainable solutions to address these issues and ensure the well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.
The situation remains fluid as the strike approaches and negotiations continue. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Morocco's healthcare landscape. The government's response to the union's demands and the strike's impact on healthcare services will be closely watched by various stakeholders.
Key points
- The Moroccan National Health Union has announced a national strike and boycotted a meeting with the health minister over concerns about salary guarantees and government commitments.
