Spanish Auto Parts Maker Lays Off 400 Workers in Tangier Amid Expansion

Since last Wednesday, the 400 employees of this Spanish car seat manufacturing company in Tangier have been protesting against their "economic" dismissal. According to the daily Al Akhbar, the company’s management asked them to sign a collective departure record, granting them only 25% of their legal benefits. A decision that surprised them as they do not understand how such a company can be in financial crisis when the company’s production has increased due to the increase in demand following the bankruptcy of several competing companies.

For the employees, the management has sent them into unemployment for the benefit of the subsidiary opened in Kenitra, since after warning the employees of their new status, the doors of the company were closed and entry was prohibited for all employees, without exception. For the protesters, the management is trying to recruit new workers, perhaps with less salary and social benefits than those granted to their counterparts in Tangier.

By deciding to organize an unlimited sit-in, the employees demand that the management reverse its decision to save 400 families from precariousness, especially with the economic crisis raging due to the coronavirus pandemic. The sit-in, according to them, will only be lifted if the company manages to find a solution to correct the situation. They call on the competent authorities in the field of investments to intervene to put an end to this injustice. They also demand that the company, if the situation has reached the point of no return, compensate them according to the laws in force.