An increase in the agricultural worker’s salary: a step towards improving the situation of the agricultural worker
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – Abdel Latif Baraka
In a move that reflects the government’s interest in improving the conditions of agricultural workers in Morocco, a further increase in the daily wage of these workers was announced, a measure that came at a sensitive moment in the history of the agricultural sector, considered one of the pillars of the national economy.
In light of the difficult economic conditions experienced by many farmers and agricultural workers, demands for improved wages have been among the most important topics that have occupied the union scene in Morocco, particularly in agricultural regions which have experienced numerous demonstrations, such as the province of Chtouka Ait Baha. .
These workers, who work daily on the land in harsh climatic conditions, especially during the harvest season or during heavy agricultural work, face major challenges in meeting their basic needs due to the low wages they receive.
Reasons for salary increase:
The approved increase aims to improve the income of workers in the agricultural sector and alleviate their economic suffering.
After years of stable wages and in a context of growing demands to improve the living conditions of workers in this vital sector, this increase constitutes a measure aimed at motivating workers and protecting them from the negative effects of inflation and cost of high life.
Job Claims:
Despite this increase, which initially varied between 5% in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, many agricultural workers still consider that the amount set is not commensurate with the great effort they deploy in agricultural work.
In Chtouka Ait Baha province, for example, several regions have seen widespread protests, with workers demanding a bigger raise, given that they receive meager salaries that are not enough to cover daily expenses. These protests were also marked by demands for improved working conditions, such as better social and health insurance, as well as the provision of guarantees against the exploitation of workers by certain operators in the sector.
Challenges encountered by the agricultural worker:
Most peasant workers work in difficult conditions, suffering from a lack of basic services such as quality housing, clean water and sometimes dangerous working conditions.
On the other hand, there is also the great challenge of the absence of health and retirement insurance, which makes this category of workers vulnerable to serious health and social risks.
Government decision:
As part of the Moroccan government’s commitments, a decision was taken to increase the minimum wage in the agricultural sector.
The new decree sets the daily wage at 93 dirhams from April 1, 2025, which reflects part of the government’s commitment to improving the economic and social situation of this category of workers. However, this increase remains a subject of controversy between unions and workers who are demanding more improvements to ensure a decent living.
Government decision:
On Thursday, December 28, 2023, the Government Council approved draft decree n°2.24.1122 setting the amounts of the legal minimum wage in agricultural and non-agricultural activities.
This project, presented by Younes Al-Sokuri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Microenterprise, Employment and Skills, implements the commitments contained in the tripartite social agreement concluded on April 29, 2024 between the government and employee union organizations. and professional employer organizations.
The decree provides for a 5% increase in wages in both the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, with an amount of 93 dirhams per working day from April 1, 2025, in agricultural activities.
