The Moroccan textile and garment industry has been the site of several tragic incidents recently, drawing attention to the harsh realities workers face and the insufficient safety protocols in place.
Hazardous practices such as the use of gas-fired boilers are said to be the causes of fires in manufacturing facilities across Fez, Casablanca, and Tangier, which resulted in fatalities and severe burn injuries requiring hospitalisation.
The unions are spearheading initiatives to confront these challenges, with a promising dialogue initiated with the Ministry of Labour signalling progress toward enduring remedies.
These tragedies highlight a mounting concern within Morocco's burgeoning textile, garment, and leather (TGSL) industry, which has seen rapid expansion to cater to international brands' needs. However, this growth has not been matched by improvements in workplace safety standards, leaving employees exposed to grave dangers.
In an assertive move, SNTHC-CDT launched a campaign targeting the deteriorating work conditions and inadequate safety measures. On 15 November, the union called for a national dialogue aimed at uniting various parties to devise a strategy for enhancing health and safety within the TGSL sector.
The union's persistent efforts culminated in a pivotal meeting with the Ministry of Labour in Rabat on 29 November. The assembly brought together key figures including Hicham Sabri, secretary of state, and SNTHC-CDT general secretary Ahmed Hassoun. Discussions centred on the critical need for advancements in occupational health and safety.
Ahmed Hassoun said: "The meeting was positive as the ministry took note of SNTHC-CDT's request to hold a national debate bringing together all stakeholders in the sector.
"We also informed the minister about the ACCORD agreement and stressed the importance of its implementation in Morocco. As a result, the Ministry undertook to organise a meeting with representatives of ACCORD, IndustriALL, and SNTHC-CDT to further discuss the possibilities of implementing ACCORD in Morocco.”
The delegation criticised employers for non-compliance with existing health and safety regulations and voiced their disapproval of subhuman working conditions prevalent in clandestine establishments.
They implored the Ministry to abolish such practices and formulate a comprehensive national strategy for enforcing robust health and safety standards.
With an agreement from the Ministry to collaborate with ACCORD representatives as well as IndustriALL and SNTHC-CDT affiliates, there is an air of cautious optimism for substantial reform.
The ongoing efforts are geared towards establishing solid health and safety frameworks and ensuring that those responsible within Morocco’s expanding TGSL sector are held accountable.
IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of such frequent accidents in the sector in Morocco. We welcome the results of the meeting between the Minister and the SNTHC-CDT, which is part of the union's ongoing efforts and initiatives to address such a serious situation. Time is not on our side. We need stronger actions. An agreement to bring the International ACCORD to Morocco would be a big step in the right direction."
This article first appeared on IndustriALL.
