Younes Skouri: Strict Oversight for Security and Cleaning Companies to Protect Workers’ Rights
Younes Skouri, the Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprises, Employment, and Competencies, confirmed that the ministry continues to monitor contracts for security and cleaning services in educational institutions, with a focus on protecting the rights of workers and ensuring compliance with applicable labor laws.
In response to a parliamentary question regarding the oversight of these contracts, the minister explained that the security sector has significantly expanded in recent years within public facilities and the private sector. This growth necessitated legislative intervention to regulate the field, which has been framed by Law No. 27.06, along with its implementing decree and application regulations. The responsibility for monitoring compliance has been assigned to judicial police officers, while the labor inspection authority retains its powers under the labor code.
Regarding cleaning companies, they are subject to the provisions of the labor code, requiring them to adhere to social laws, including social security, workplace accidents, and occupational diseases. The labor inspection authority intervenes through scheduled visits or based on workers’ complaints to safeguard their rights.
Concerning public procurement, Skouri highlighted that most security companies collaborate with public administrations and institutions. Decree No. 2.12.349 allows for temporary or permanent exclusion from contracts in cases of fraud, bribery, or repeated violations of labor conditions, with the administration retaining the right to oversee contract execution, suspend, or terminate contracts as needed.
The minister emphasized that respecting the minimum wage is a fundamental obligation of employers, noting recent decrees and agreements that increased the minimum wage by 10% in two phases for non-agricultural activities. Furthermore, he called for enhanced information sharing between labor inspectors and the National Social Security Fund to strengthen social protection.
Skouri reported that during the first nine months of 2025, the labor inspection authority conducted a total of 18,289 monitoring visits to security and cleaning companies, resulting in 216,609 observations, thousands of which pertained to minimum wages, working hours, health and safety, and social protection. Additionally, 412 minutes of violations were documented.
The minister concluded by stating that the gradual review of the labor code, as outlined in signed social agreements, represents an opportunity to address practical issues in the security and cleaning sectors and ensure fairness for this group of workers through a participatory approach with social partners.
