15 Apr 2019 | 12:01 AM UTC
Morocco: Thousands of teachers to suspend strike April 15 /update 4
Thousands of teachers suspend nationwide strike, vow to return to work April 15; new strike actions possible beginning April 25
Event
On Sunday, April 14, thousands of teachers in Morocco announced that they would suspend their nationwide strike and return to work on Monday, April 15. The move comes after a meeting between representatives from the Ministry of Education, education unions, and striking teachers. Another related meeting is slated to be held between teachers and Ministry of Education representatives on Tuesday, April 23; teachers warned that if the meeting is not productive, a new strike may be launched on Thursday, April 25.
Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected around all related demonstrations.
Context
Teachers' unions staged a series of strikes across Morocco in March and April to demand that the government provide retirement benefits in line with those provided to other public sector workers, increase bonus payments, and allow the renegotiation of their current contracts. Related demonstrations notably took place in Rabat on April 2, in response to the government's decision to dismiss protesting contractual teachers and deduct their wages.
Advice
Individuals in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
