The Moroccan National Health Union, affiliated with the Democratic Confederation of Labor, has declared a national strike for next Tuesday. This move is a protest against what the union describes as backtracking on gains and failure to meet government commitments. The union also announced it will boycott the upcoming meeting with Health Minister Youns Bajejou.
In a message addressed to the Head of Government, the Minister of Economy and Finance, and the Minister of Health and Social Protection, the union's national office stated it reserves the right to adopt various forms of struggle as the situation evolves. The union criticized the government's approach, citing a breach of the principle of state continuity and management in respecting agreements with social partners.
The union expressed concerns over the contents of the 2027 finance bill and the budget for the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. They argue these documents reveal a regression in addressing key demands of healthcare professionals, particularly regarding the payment of their salaries from the state budget. The union referenced an agreement from July 23, 2024, which stipulates that healthcare professionals' salaries should be paid from the state budget.
The union also pointed out that current trends contradict the provisions of Article 23 of the 2025 Finance Law. This article stipulates that the general budget should continue to cover the salaries of civil servants, trainees, and contractual employees. The union criticized the classification of employee salaries under "various expenses and equipment," questioning the increase in these expenses.
The union warned about the implications of this approach on the trust of healthcare workers in the reform process and their working conditions. They recalled the sacrifices made by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and their efforts in contributing to the preparation of texts for healthcare reform.
The union emphasized that the creation of territorial health groups was expected to lead to a public institution model that preserves employees' acquired rights and provides new possibilities for their motivation. However, they noted a conservative approach in implementing the texts for this model, which they believe threatens the gains from the negotiation process.
The union called on the Head of Government and the ministers concerned to take responsibility for implementing signed agreements and ensuring the preservation of all gains without delay. They demanded a review of how health issues are managed and the introduction of necessary amendments to the provisions that sparked their objection.
Key points
- The Moroccan National Health Union has announced a national strike and boycott of talks with Health Minister Youns Bajejou.
- The strike is in protest of the government's perceived backtracking on commitments and erosion of gains for healthcare professionals.
- The union demands the preservation of acquired rights and implementation of agreements signed with the government.
