On Labor Day, the “ODT” deems the government unable to deal with the current crisis
Secretary-General of the Democratic Labor Union (ODT), Ali Lotfi, stated that this year’s International Workers’ Day coincides with the overwhelming spread of Covid-19, bringing upon devastating repercussions at both social and economic levels.
“We are very proud of the pioneering humanitarian plan and the effective health and economic strategy that His Majesty the king has adopted in order to face the pandemic, by creating a special fund with the purpose of acquiring medical equipment, providing medication to those infected, supporting health care workers, providing free vaccinations to legible citizens and residents, and allocating financial aid to those who have lost their jobs”, Lotfi stressed.
“We shall continue to adhere to all precautionary measures that the state of health emergency and social distancing stipulate, therefore, it has been decided that this year’s labor demonstrations were to take place virtually rather than on the streets”, Lotfi noted, pointing that ensuring social coverage to all workers represents the essence of social justice, for it tends to protect citizens against all potential dangers by addressing their economic crisis and societal issues.
Within the same context, Lotfi indicated that the pandemic has brought upon several challenges for the state to deal with, especially at the economic level, as thousands of people have lost their jobs within vital sectors such as hotels, restaurants and coffee houses, at a time where the costs for living continue to rise, regardless.
“The current economic and social crisis represent a new challenge to our government’s credibility, provided the neoliberal political, economic and cultural choices the latter has adopted, causing multiple social imbalances to rise in the process”, Lotfi said, noting that the Economic Vigilance Committee was unable to fight rent, economic concessions, corruption and tax evasion.
“The pandemic has caused the unemployment rate in Morocco to increase to nearly 15%, for an estimated 500 thousand people have lost their jobs in 2021 alone, resulting in extreme poverty and social fragility”, Lotfi stressed. Most SMEs and microenterprises, on the other hand, are on the edge of bankruptcy, which may cause half the labor in private sectors to lose their jobs as well, he added.
Lotfi also stated that the government was unable to deal with all these challenges accordingly, for it has been fully committed to implementing the World Bank’s and IMF’s directives, rather than reviewing more genuine aspects such as the pension system and the compensation fund.
Moreover, Lotfi called on the government to assess its economic, social, cultural and environmental policies, and to set priorities by adopting a new development model, enacting a new social contract, investing in human capital, in addition to restoring the state’s strategic role and direct supervision over vital sectors, including health, education, employment, housing and education.
The ODT has also urged the government to undertake a fundamental review of Morocco’s health system, strengthen health regionalism, and employ an adequate number of doctors and nurses to improve the quality of health services.
Meanwhile, the ODT shed light on the importance of reviewing the statutes relating to communes, regions and public institutions, as well as respecting Labor Code regulations, and adjusting the laws on pensions in order to improve wages. In addition, Lotfi stressed the need for the government to create new job opportunities so that young graduates complete their integration into society as a workforce.
In conclusion, Lotfi stated that the Moroccan working class shall forever stand behind HM the king in defending our nation’s interests, praising, at the same time, Morocco’s Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Auxiliary Forces and the Fire Brigade, for they are keen on the security and stability of our country.
