Morocco has just taken a big step to increase the country’s minimum wage. “The Government is getting closer to approving a new increase in the minimum wage,” explained Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Businesses, Employment and Training.
In statements collected by the local media watch out, Sekkouri assured that the salary increase is the result of a commitment that the Government acquired with unions and workers. In addition, he has stressed that his objective is to reach an understanding soon to be able to put it into operation.
Fulfilling commitments
Last year, unions and the Government reached a consensus demanding a 10% increase in the minimum wage in two years for the commerce, industry and services sectors, as well as for agriculture, the agricultural sector and the liberal professions. It was also stipulated to increase the public sector salary to 3,500 dirhams and increase aid for the fourth, fifth and sixth children.
The agreement signed in April of last year determined a first increase in the minimum wage in September and another this year. In this way, in the commerce and industry sectors it was increased from 14.81 to 15.55 dirhams per hour. But when they went to decide the second, the promulgation of the strike law was stipulated. And with this new increase it would go from 15.55 to 16.29 dirhams per hour.
The president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Companies (CGEM), Chakib Alj, has confirmed that companies in the African country respect the agreement and demand that this minimum wage be increased. “The General Confederation of Moroccan Companies will work to apply the second 5% increase on the minimum wage,” he explained.
