Morocco: Contract teachers launch nationwide strike through Dec. 31

Event

Unionized contract teachers have launched a nationwide strike through Dec. 31 in response to the Ministry of Education's alleged failure to honor terms of a previous agreement and refusal to offer full-time jobs to contract teachers. Organizers have announced plans for picketing protests and sit-ins outside educational institutions and administrative councils across the country. Additional or spontaneous demonstrations could materialize near government buildings and public education centers nationwide. The largest gatherings are likely to occur in Rabat; hundreds of protesters may gather outside Parliament and the Ministry of Education.

Increased security and localized road travel disruptions are likely near all potential protest locations. Clashes are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

Protests and strikes by teachers, particularly those that are contract-based, have been ongoing for several months throughout the country. The government had hired thousands of temporary teachers to address a nationwide teacher shortage. As part of their demands, education unions are pressing for the government to offer contract-based teachers the same benefits that permanent teachers receive. Unless the Ministry of Education accepts the education unions' demands, the strikes and protests will likely continue. The recent labor actions and protests occur amid the government's ongoing efforts to reduce public spending.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a standard security precaution. Exercise increased vigilance near popular protest locations or potential gathering sites and liaise with trusted contacts for updated information on potential demonstration venues. Anticipate road travel disruptions near any gatherings that may materialize. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.