Morocco: Strike Law 97.15 Enters into Force…

Morocco: Strike Law 97.15 Enters into Force… Unions Warn of an “Unprecedented Restriction” on Workers’ Right to Protest

The Organic Law on the Right to Strike No. 97.15 officially entered into force in Morocco on 24 September 2025, following its publication in the Official Gazette in March and the completion of the six-month period required for its implementation. From the moment the law took effect, a wave of reactions spread across the Moroccan trade union landscape, with most expressing legitimate concerns about the impact of this new legislation on one of the oldest and most fundamental labor rights: the right to strike.

While the government describes the law as a step toward “organizing public services and ensuring social stability,” trade unions argue that it imposes measures that could render the exercise of the right to strike nearly impossible—or at the very least excessively burdensome. These concerns relate to restrictive pre-conditions, complex notification procedures, and potential sanctions against organizers and participants. Major unions emphasized that the law does not reflect the spirit of the Moroccan Constitution, which guarantees the right to strike, and does not align with international labor standards, particularly ILO Conventions 87 on Freedom of Association and 98 on Collective Bargaining.

Moroccan trade unions quickly issued both joint and individual statements warning of a “de facto restriction of the right to strike,” stressing that many of the law’s provisions could be used to discourage workers from protesting or to advance social and economic policies that lack public support. They noted that the law was drafted without meaningful and inclusive social dialogue, resulting in a “unilateral approach” rather than a negotiated tripartite agreement between the government, trade unions, and employers.

Unions also reiterated that striking is not a threat to stability, contrary to some narratives, but rather a fundamental right and a civilized, effective tool for defending wages, rights, and social justice. For the Moroccan labor movement, undermining this right ultimately undermines the balance of professional life and the broader framework of social democracy.

Several national trade union centers affirmed that the law’s entry into force will not deter them from defending workers. They stated that the coming period will be marked by legal, union, and awareness-raising efforts aimed at amending the controversial provisions and ensuring that the law does not become an instrument of repression, but a regulatory framework that respects the constitutional right to strike and protects workers from abuse.

The Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) is closely following these developments, reaffirming that the right to strike is an integral component of freedom of association and a cornerstone of social justice. ATUC underscores the need for national labor legislation across Arab countries to align with international labor standards, ensuring the protection of workers and strengthening—rather than limiting—social dialogue.

ATUC considers the current moment in Morocco a pivotal test for the country’s social trajectory and an opportunity to reaffirm that the future of decent work cannot be built through restrictive laws, but through genuine tripartite partnership and full recognition of trade unions as essential partners in shaping public policy.