Rabat – Hundreds of preschool teachers and education workers gathered outside Morocco’s Parliament in Rabat on Monday, demanding integration into the public service, higher salaries, and better working conditions.
A national trade union coordination representing workers in preschool education organized the protest. Participants called for an end to what they described as unstable employment conditions and demanded greater job security and professional recognition.
The union coordination includes representatives affiliated with the Moroccan Labor Union (UMT), the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), and the Democratic Confederation of Education (FNE).
Hundreds of workers responded to a call from the sector’s trade union coordination and took part in the protest.
What are the protesters demanding?
The workers want to be integrated into Morocco’s public service system instead of continuing under the current model, in which associations manage much of the preschool education sector.
They are also demanding higher salaries, improved social benefits, and more stable employment conditions. The protesters argue that the current system leaves workers without the professional and financial security they seek.
The movement also seeks to improve working conditions and resolve outstanding professional and social demands.
The groups are calling for direct engagement with the Education Ministry to find concrete solutions to the sector’s problems.
Security forces prevent planned sit-in
The demonstration became tense on Monday evening when security forces intervened to prevent protesters from holding a planned sit-in and overnight protest outside Parliament.
According to local reports, the intervention led to moments of tension and running between protesters and security forces. Some demonstrators subsequently moved along Mohammed V Avenue toward Bab El Had.
The overnight sit-in had been planned as part of the unions’ efforts to increase pressure on the government to address their demands.
The protest comes as Morocco continues efforts to improve early childhood education and expand access to preschool learning.
The sector plays an important role in preparing children for primary school. However, workers’ demands have brought attention to the employment arrangements under which many preschool programs operate.
The demonstration also came days after the appointment of new Education Minister Mohamed Nabil Benabdellah and Minister Delegate Kamal El Hachoumi, who is responsible for preschool education and reducing school dropout rates under the new government.
The protesters said they are seeking concrete commitments from the government to improve their professional status and resolve their outstanding demands.
