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24 July, 2026Moroccan trade unions are calling for stronger human rights due diligence and fair, rules-based trade, as international investment pours into the country's manufacturing sector.
These demands were raised during a visit by an IndustriALL delegation, led by assistant general secretary Kemal Özkan and MENA regional secretary Ahmed Kamel, to Moroccan affiliates from the Union Marocaine du Travail (UMT) and the Confédération Démocratique du Travail (CDT). The visit took place from 14 to 17 July 2026.
Due diligence is an important tool given international investment
Morocco is an emerging destination for international investment, supported by a range of incentive policies, particularly in manufacturing. With its strategic location close to Europe and its modernized infrastructure, the country attracts significant interest from international investors. Other advantages also make it attractive. Leading multinational companies operating in Morocco include automotive firms such as Renault and Stellantis. Aerospace companies such as Safran and Airbus are also present.
On 15 July 2026, the delegation visited UMT general secretary Miloudi Al-Mukharek to discuss the current situation in the country. During the visit, they also presented the main lines of IndustriALL’s Action Plan, adopted at its 4th Congress.
Miloudi Al-Mukharek affirmed UMT’s satisfaction in working with IndustriALL across numerous fronts. These efforts generally converge in the interest of workers in vital sectors such as automotive, aerospace, textile and chemicals. This work is carried out through training, mentoring and the exchange of advice on issues faced by workers at certain companies.
Emphasizing the importance of organizing, mobilizing and building a strong workforce, Kemal Özkan stressed the need to care for the workers, both men and women. These workers will be involved in preparations for the upcoming World Cup to be held in Morocco. He noted the need to respect their rights and working conditions.
The delegation also met with affiliates from the metal, mining, textile, chemicals and oil and gas sectors. They met to discuss how to use human rights due diligence in core union work, particularly for organizing and collective bargaining.
Participants discussed different aspects of due diligence, noting the difficulty of implementing it in a country that continues to face a crisis of trade union freedoms. At the conclusion of the meeting, participants expressed their gratitude to IndustriALL for its leading role in promoting the tool among affiliates.
International trade is needed, but it must be fair
Morocco maintains close trade partnerships with countries including Spain, France, the UK and Germany. Trade figures show a negative trade balance, particularly with Spain, China and the USA. However, international trade remains an important factor for Morocco’s economic development.
On 16 July 2026, the delegation visited CDT general secretary Khaled El-Alami. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on the rapid transformations taking place in the world of work. They discussed the impact of economic and geopolitical crises on workers. In addition, discussions explored ways to strengthen international trade union solidarity in the face of challenges to social rights and trade union freedoms. The talks also focused on how to defend the right to decent work and social justice.
Khaled El-Alami emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between CDT and IndustriALL. He also highlighted the large-scale national protest marches organized by CDT in recent weeks.
IndustriALL affiliates across various sectors also participated in a joint workshop on international trade. In this workshop, they discussed the impact of transformations in global trade and production chains on workers’ conditions. Affiliates explored ways to strengthen union capabilities and improve coordination among themselves.
Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between IndustriALL and CDT affiliates, exchanging experience and expertise and building knowledge of collective bargaining negotiations. This work aims to defend workers’ rights, confront current economic and social challenges and strengthen the presence of the trade union movement in international forums.
IndustriALL’s Action Plan in place
IndustriALL’s Moroccan affiliates received feedback from IndustriALL’s last congress. They discussed how to implement it amid transformations taking place in the world of work, including the digital and energy revolutions and climate change. These changes are having a clear impact on all workers. Particular attention was given to strengthening collective bargaining, achieving a just transition, protecting women’s rights and establishing sustainable industrial policies.
Kemal Özkan said:
“Morocco is an important country for IndustriALL Global Union. We follow labour relations in the country, and there is a declining trend in social dialogue, industrial relations and fundamental workers’ rights. There is a strong need to institutionalize social dialogue, as there are so many pressing problems for workers and unions in the country. We need to keep organizing, mobilizing and building a strong movement in Morocco, and IndustriALL will continue to give its full support and solidarity.”