Moroccan Textile Industry Booms, but Workers Face Harsh Conditions in Tangier

The incentive measures put in place by the Moroccan state have attracted a large number of foreign investors, eager for quick gains. Taking advantage of tax exemptions and the low cost of labor, textile industrialists are committing excesses, by imposing an unfair work status, far from recognized norms and standards.

Workers are subjected to a draconian work regime. Working for more than 9 hours in a row, they must comply with production quotas, which are around 250 pieces per hour and per production line. Failing that, the worker is exposed to harassment and a flood of insults from the supervisors. The threat of dismissal is not excluded, in case of protests.

Paid below the minimum wage, workers do not benefit from any bonuses on objectives or for motivation. On the contrary, they are often victims of unjustified deductions on the number of hours worked. Working conditions do not comply with standards and do not respect safety and hygiene measures. First aid and emergency exits are lacking. Similarly, the common toilets are limited in number.

In addition, workers are hired without an employment contract and do not benefit from social security or health insurance, exposing them to the risks of unfair dismissal and the serious consequences of work accidents. Given these excesses, it is legitimate to question the role of the state and trade unions in protecting this segment of the population.