Morocco establish union for mining workers
A new union has been formed for mining workers in Morocco. The establishment of this new union is a result of collaborative efforts between IndustriALL and UMT, aimed at fortifying and institutionalizing sectoral union structures within the industrial landscape.
The new union dubbed UMT National Union of Mineworkers in Morocco, will be governed under the slogan “Strengthening trade union action in the mining sector to defend the mining working class and win an agreement that guarantees the rights and benefits of the miners”.
Vision
The union held its founding congress where key leadership positions were filled, with Daoud Kalla assuming the role of secretary-general and Abdelrahman Barzama, Mohamed Aznak, and Khalid Mtaqi appointed as deputy secretaries-general. This administrative team will spearhead the union’s initiatives and advocacy efforts on behalf of miners.
The congress delegates articulated a comprehensive vision for the mining sector, calling upon the government to devise an advanced national model that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, social and environmental responsibility, and upholds trade union freedoms and the rights of miners. A central demand was the formulation of a collective agreement that secures the rights and welfare of miners while enhancing their financial, professional, and social conditions.
Miloudi Mokharik, secretary-general of UMT, underscored the indispensable role played by the mining sector in Morocco’s economy, contributing significantly to the GDP. He highlighted the sacrifices made by miners and lamented the persistent lack of substantive development in the social and environmental spheres within mining regions.
The mining industry of Morocco is important to the national economy. Morocco is the world’s largest producer of phosphate, and contains about 75% of the world’s estimated reserves. Mining contributed up to 35% of exports and 5% of GDP in 2011. Foreign investors have found the investment climate, the infrastructure, fiscal situation, and political stability very favorable to continue business in the country in this sector.
