Urgent Call for Action from Higher Education Employees
The National Union of Higher Education and University Residence Employees, affiliated with the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), has recently entered a new phase of protests in response to what they describe as an "unacceptable delay" in the enactment of a special framework for administrative and technical staff within the sector. In a statement following a remote meeting of its national office, the union expressed its strong condemnation of the persistent uncertainty surrounding the fate of this framework, despite the formal approval and publication of Law No. 59.24 regulating higher education in the official gazette. The delay has been characterized as a clear violation of commitments made and a disregard for legitimate demands that have been long awaited.
The statement, which was shared with Hespress, warned that promises of salary increases—specifically the 1000 dirhams announced in recent weeks—could merely serve as a "tactic to buy time" if not implemented promptly. It raised critical questions regarding the justifications the government would offer for further postponements until the end of its current term.
The union has held the relevant ministry fully accountable for what it describes as a "state of confusion," highlighting a lack of seriousness and clarity in the handling of the issue by several government sectors, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.
It is emphasized that the continuation of this situation will inevitably lead to increased unrest and tension within universities and higher education institutions. In a proactive move to respond to the "neglect" of its demands, the union has decided to convene its national council on April 11. This meeting aims to discuss recent developments and determine the "protest and escalation methods" necessary to uphold the dignity of employees and secure their rights.
The national office concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to a "fair and equitable" framework that recognizes the pivotal role of administrative and technical staff in public universities. It stressed that "a policy of neglect will only fuel the workforce's determination to defend their rights by all legitimate means," as articulated in the statement.
Recently, a responsible source from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation revealed to Hespress that the ministry is nearing the disbursement of a monthly net increase of approximately 1000 dirhams for employees in higher education. This source indicated that the possible implementation of this increase is still under coordination with the ministerial delegation responsible for the budget.
The same source had previously clarified that the political and administrative decision regarding the salary increase has been officially made, pending the completion of the technical procedures associated with it, particularly since it will be disbursed outside the yet-to-be-approved framework for sector employees. It was noted that the method of disbursing these compensations will adhere to current legal provisions to avoid any loopholes in this regard.
As reported by hespress.com.
