Morocco’s major labor unions have called for a general strike to take place today, on 29 October 2014. The appeal to action has called on a number of political parties, movements, and civil society groups to express their support and participate in the strike. Mobilizing among both the public and private sectors, the general strike is being organized in opposition to a number of reforms the current coalition government has proposed, including pension reform and raising the retirement age. The strike also takes aim at the steady rise in cost of utility services, food, and fuel.
In this interview with Radio France Internationale, Jadaliyya Co-Editor Samia Errazzouki discusses the political implications of this general strike, taking note of the political connections between opposition parties and the labor unions. She also highlights the political economic conditions that have led to the current situation. The interview was conducted on 28 October 2014.