A protest was held on September 28, 2026, involving over 140 workers from the Awam mine in Morocco. The demonstration was sparked by the death of three miners in a recent accident. The protesters, who marched from Merirert to Khouribga, are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanding better working conditions. The workers, affiliated with the Confédération Démocratique du Travail (CDT), are seeking answers about the safety measures in place and the responsibilities of the companies involved.
According to Mohamed Boutkhsayne, the local CDT secretary, the protest was organized after a meeting between union representatives from the mining sector. The unions are concerned about the large number of subcontracting companies, such as "Workmin" and "Goldmin", operating in the mine. Boutkhsayne questioned the nature of the work being done by these subcontracting companies, particularly in the tunnels, and called for an investigation to determine their responsibilities.
The accident that claimed the lives of three miners has raised concerns about the safety conditions in the mine. The CDT has expressed concerns that this incident should not be viewed in isolation from other accidents that have occurred in the region over the years. According to the union, these incidents have resulted in the deaths of between 24 and 25 people. The union has considered the death of the three miners an opportunity to "sound the alarm" and has been in communication with company officials and local authorities.
The CDT has previously sent letters to several parties, including the local authorities, regarding health and safety concerns in the Awam mine. Boutkhsayne mentioned that the union has been seeking answers about the working conditions and the responsibilities of the companies involved. The union's goal is to determine the nature of the work being done by subcontracting companies and whether they are respecting health and safety conditions.
The protest was part of a larger effort to draw attention to the concerns of workers in the mining sector. The CDT has been advocating for better working conditions and greater transparency in the industry. The union has chosen to pursue a dialogue with the mine's management, rather than escalating the situation, and has scheduled a meeting to discuss the incident and the safety measures in place.
The incident has highlighted the need for greater oversight and regulation in the mining sector. The Moroccan government has been urged to take action to improve working conditions and prevent similar accidents in the future. The investigation into the incident is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident and the responsibilities of the companies involved.
The outcome of the investigation and the actions taken by the authorities will be closely watched by workers and union representatives. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the mining sector. The CDT and other unions will continue to push for better working conditions and greater protections for workers in the industry.
Key points
- The protest was sparked by the death of three miners in a recent accident at the Awam mine in Morocco.
- The workers are demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and better working conditions.
- The incident has highlighted the need for greater oversight and regulation in the mining sector.
