Morocco: Teachers extend nationwide strikes until April 14 /update 3

Event

A coalition of labor unions representing teachers, including the National Federation of Teachers (FNE), the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), and the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM) announced the extension of their nationwide strikes for a sixth week, until Sunday, April 14. The unions have called for associated demonstrations to take place in the coming days, though exact time and locations for the protests are unknown as of Wednesday, April 3. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all demonstrations.

Context

Teacher unions recently staged a series of nationwide strikes from March 13-14 and from March 26-28. Related demonstrations also took place on April 2 in Rabat, in response to the government's decision to dismiss contractual protesters teachers and to deduct their wages. Teachers are calling on the government to provide retirement benefits in line with those provided to other public sector workers, increased bonuses payment, and the renegotiation of their current contracts.  

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all gatherings as a precaution.