Social Reforms: Dialogue or Showdown?
As the upcoming round of social dialogue approachesscheduled ahead of Labor Day social partners are gearing up for negotiations that could address strategic issues. This new phase unfolds in a context marked by the adoption of the law governing the right to strike, just months before its enforcement. While the government can point to certain achievements such as the increase in the minimum wage (Smig) and the partial revision of income tax (IR), it must now tackle much more complex reforms.
Informal discussions held in recent weeks have helped identify the main concerns raised by the social partners.
A preparatory meeting is imminent to finalize the agenda for this round of talks, which promises to be extensive. Issues likely to be included range from pension system reform, revision of the Labor Code, overhaul of the continuing vocational training framework, strengthening of trade union freedoms, to a review of sectoral negotiations.
The key challenge for the government will be to build trust, ensure transparency in the process, and reconcile the often conflicting interests of trade unions and employers.
Yet, from the outset, the consultation process looks set to be arduous, given the diversity of demands. For instance, some unions are calling for clarification on the rules governing professional elections. Others prefer to maintain the current framework and preserve the status quo. These kinds of differences reflect the unstable balance within the union landscape. Among the most sensitive topics is pension reform, which presents a delicate equation: ensuring the sustainability of the system while preserving social peace. The principle of a two-pillar structure (public and private) has indeed been validated. The preferred scenario includes a basic pension scheme supplemented by complementary systems, with a gradual harmonization of calculation rules and parameters. However, the proposed parametric measures raising the legal retirement age, increasing contributions, and adjusting benefits are already sparking significant tension.
Several unions oppose any measures that might undermine acquired rights or weaken the future of retirees. At this stage, the government’s technical proposals have not yet been formally submitted, fueling mistrust. Trade union federations are demanding a shared diagnosis and full transparency regarding actuarial data.
Khadija MASMOUDI
