• The Moroccan Workers’ Union (UMT) has announced a protest by employees and retired workers of the Office of Vocational Training in front of the headquarters of the state-owned Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) in Rabat at 11:30 (local time) on May 30.
• The protest has been called to denounce the perceived prejudice against retired workers due to the alleged poor pension fund program offered by the CDG.

The planned protest comes against the backdrop of broad socio-economic grievances harbored by various segments of the population in Morocco. Such grievances include the low level of pensions and employment benefits. This sentiment has also recently manifested in a series of teachers’ protests in Rabat, such as on April 2, who have also denounced the perceived poor level of pensions and salaries. While the Moroccan government has made efforts to improve the country’s overall economic situation by implementing austerity measures, large segments of the Moroccan population feel marginalized by such policies. FORECAST: While the CDG’s management may attempt to negotiate with the workers to alleviate their grievances, given the persistence of such underlying grievances, they are unlikely to successfully settle the dispute prior to the slated demonstration. Given the niche nature of the protest, which calls on workers of the Office of Vocational Training, the turnout is likely to be limited to the low dozens. Moreover, while security forces will likely be deployed to the vicinity given the number of sensitive locales in the area, including embassies and government facilities, the potential for clashes remains low given the protest’s low profile. Regardless, disruptions to travel can be expected in the area.

Those operating or residing in Rabat on May 30 are advised to allot for disruptions in the vicinity of the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) headquarters during the late morning and afternoon hours due to the slated protest.