The Moroccan textile and garment industry has recently been marred by tragic incidents that expose the severe working conditions faced by its workforce. Notably, several disastrous fires, primarily caused by hazardous practices such as the use of gas-fired boilers, have occurred in manufacturing facilities across cities like Fez, Casablanca, and Tangier. These incidents have not only led to fatalities but also left many workers with grave burn injuries, necessitating hospitalization. The spotlight on these dangers has galvanized unions to take decisive action, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety protocols and working conditions within this expanding sector that caters primarily to international brands.
In response to the alarming situation, the SNTHC-CDT union has launched a campaign focused on addressing deteriorating working conditions and insufficient safety measures within the textile, garment, and leather (TGSL) industry. On November 15, the union called for a national dialogue to unite stakeholders in crafting a strategic framework aimed at enhancing health and safety standards across the sector. Their advocacy came to fruition during a critical meeting with the Ministry of Labour on November 29, which brought together significant figures, including Hicham Sabri, Secretary of State, and Ahmed Hassoun, the SNTHC-CDT General Secretary. The dialogue underscored the urgent need for reforms in occupational health and safety, reflective of the industry’s rapid growth that has not been accompanied by similar improvements in workplace safety.
The meeting between the union and the Ministry of Labour was characterized by a cooperative spirit, with Ahmed Hassoun noting the positive reception of the union’s call for a national debate involving all sector stakeholders. One of the key issues raised included the necessity of implementing the ACCORD agreement in Morocco, which aims to ensure better working conditions in garment factories. A commitment was made by the Ministry to facilitate discussions with representatives from ACCORD, IndustriALL, and SNTHC-CDT, marking a critical step towards a collaborative approach in addressing the industry’s persistent safety gaps.
Moreover, the union took a strong stance against employers who neglect existing health and safety regulations, condemning the substandard working conditions prevalent in clandestine establishments that often escape regulatory scrutiny. By advocating for the abolition of such practices, the union emphasized the need for a comprehensive national strategy to enforce robust health and safety standards industry-wide. With the Ministry agreeing to collaborate with both ACCORD and the involved unions, a sense of cautious optimism pervades efforts aimed at instituting substantial reforms in the TGSL sector.
International bodies, such as IndustriALL, have expressed their concern regarding the frequency of accidents within Morocco’s textile sector. Secretary General Atle Høie highlighted the urgency of the situation, lauding the meeting outcomes while calling for immediate and stronger actions to prevent further workplace tragedies. The potential endorsement of the International ACCORD in Morocco has been underscored as a significant and necessary advancement towards bolstering safety protections for workers in this vital industry.
As the Moroccan textile, garment, and leather industry continues to grapple with safety challenges amid a landscape of rapid expansion, the initiatives led by unions and the constructive engagement with government authorities signal a focus on health and safety that is desperately needed. The ongoing efforts aim to establish a framework for accountability among employers and ensure that workers are protected from preventable dangers. With continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders, there is hope for a transformation in workplace safety that can safeguard the lives of those whose labor sustains this industry.
