Morocco: Strategic Agreement on United Trade Union Action

Brussels, 31 January 2014 (ITUC): The three Moroccan trade union centres, UMT-CDT-FDT, signed a strategic agreement on united trade union action on Wednesday, at the UMT head office, aimed at tackling the government's 'anti-democratic and anti-popular' policies as well as its outright dismissal of the trade union organisations' calls for a frank and constructive social dialogue. "Once again, united trade union action is being firmly established as the best way to confront the dogged refusal of governments to listen to the voice of the workers. The agreement signed in Morocco on 29 January is a historic feat and a clear demonstration of the Moroccan trade union movement's sense of commitment and responsibility. It is an example to be followed in all such countries, in order to strengthen the trade union movement and make the workers' voice heard," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

In their Joint Statement and during their press conference, the three organisations denounced the serious and constant deterioration in living standards, the mass dismissals, the sharp fall in the purchasing power of the most vulnerable segments of society, the drop in retirement pensions, the extension of statutory working time and the ever-growing wide-scale violations of trade union rights and freedoms. They also reiterated their shared commitment to fight for freedom, democracy, social justice and respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens.

"It is time for governments around the world to accept that they cannot resolve economic and social problems without recognising their social partners and establishing fruitful social dialogue with them. Decision-makers who stubbornly continue to impose unilateral policies are doing nothing but hurting their people and making their countries waste precious time. It is time for the governments that have ratified international labour standards to comply with them and respect the commitments undertaken," added Sharan Burrow.

The ITUC represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 325 national affiliates.

ENDS

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