Rabat – The eighth session of the International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice took place today in Rabat, and commenced with opening remarks by Ahmed Reda Chami, President of the Moroccan Economic, Social, and Environmental Council.
In his opening speech, Chami stressed that the country has made significant efforts toward promoting decent work in both the public and private sectors.
Chami said that Morocco is actively working on improving its legal system and ensuring that the laws are followed and enforced properly to achieve social justice.
These efforts include launching various programs and incentives to support employment within enterprises and raise the minimum wage for employees and workers in the private sector.
The Moroccan government announced in September 2023 a 5% increase in the minimum wage for workers in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, effective this month. The increase will be implemented over two years, with the goal of unifying minimum wage standards across different sectors.
Chami also emphasized that the Moroccan constitution and national social legislation have established provisions aimed at providing conditions for decent and dignified work.
This includes equal access to employment opportunities, ensuring fair pay through minimum wage regulations and collective bargaining agreements, as well as benefiting from health coverage, retirement benefits, compensation for job loss, and safety and health requirements in workplaces.
Read also: Moroccan Government Approves 5% Minimum Wage Increase
In light of the ongoing economic and social repercussions affecting the business sector, Chami stressed the importance of creating and maintaining employment opportunities, highlighting it as one of the most urgent challenges to be addressed.
He cited a series of recommendations provided by the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council on issues related to decent work. These recommendations call for investment support to enhance economic growth and job creation, promoting social dialogue, and establishing a social protection system.
Chami concluded his remarks by saying that decent work should not be considered a privilege granted to a few workers but should be at the core of fundamental rights, standards, guidelines, and good practices.
The Forum, which was organized under the theme “Decent Work for Sustainable Development,” coincides with the United Nations’ World Day of Social Justice.
The international day, which is observed annually on February 20, aims to promote social justice, and solidarity, and to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination around the world.
