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Skouri Links the Regularization of Private Security Guards’ Status to Revising Applicable Penalties for Companies
During the weekly oral question session at the House of Representatives, Younes Skouri, Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprises, Employment, and Skills, affirmed that addressing the issues faced by private security personnel in Morocco requires amending the Labor Code, particularly by reviewing the penal and sanctions measures imposed on companies that violate existing laws.
Skouri clarified that the government is committed to resolving this issue before May 1st, depending on the legal mechanisms available and in coordination with the legislative body and social partners.
The minister indicated that this legal initiative raises two central issues regarding monthly wages and working hours. He noted that the current fines, set at 500 dirhams for failing to declare workers, with a maximum ceiling of 20,000 dirhams per company, are no longer sufficient to deter violations. He added that he has asked unions to provide their proposals regarding the sanctioning system that should be implemented.
Skouri mentioned that the Labor Inspectorate plays its role in monitoring compliance with laws; however, its intervention remains limited in effect due to the absence of a comprehensive revision of the Labor Code. He emphasized that respecting workers’ rights is part of human rights principles and adherence to the country’s laws.
He also confirmed that this approach has been reiterated during rounds of social dialogue, stressing the need for a Labor Code that garners consensus within Parliament, as the government is responsible for safeguarding citizens’ rights. In this context, Parliament member Mohamed Simou highlighted that private security guards face legal imbalances, calling for new legislative measures to ensure their rights.
On another note, Skouri revealed that approximately 50 collective agreements have been signed in several sectors during the current governmental term, compared to a slow pace in previous periods. He pointed out that these agreements offer additional benefits resulting from consensus between employees and employers.
The minister praised agreements related to sectors such as automotive manufacturing and bottled water production, explaining that such agreements ensure three years of social peace and establish clear standards for employment and promotion, along with new frameworks for solidarity within companies.
He added that the ministry has issued directives against entering into formal collective agreements that do not add value; rather, they should complement existing legislation and provide new advantages to workers, noting an increasing awareness among various companies in this regard.
In a related context, Skouri emphasized the important role played by the National Observatory of the Labor Market, considering the studies it conducts, revealing that around 15 studies are being prepared for future publication, aimed at supporting public employment policies, while also commending government efforts in developing employment maps over the past year.
