At a critical juncture, Morocco’s labor unions face a membership crisis that threatens their ability to advocate for workers’ rights effectively. The decline in union membership, especially among teachers forming independent groups, reflects a broader trend undermining union relevance.
Official data confirms a steady decrease in union representation, with only 4.3% of workers unionized in 2018. This figure dropped further to 2.7% in 2023, with rural areas most affected. Factors contributing to this decline include historical repression, external influence, and internal union issues.
Workers cite fear of employer reprisals, lack of trust in leadership, and politicization as key reasons for avoiding union membership. The disconnect between unions and workers’ needs is evident in recent teacher protests, where independent organizing emerged as a response to perceived union neglect.
This shift signals a growing grassroots movement seeking to address workers’ concerns directly, highlighting a shift in the labor landscape towards more inclusive and representative advocacy.