The Unified Union of Samir under Morocco’s Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), has called on the government to clarify its stance on the future of the oil refinery located in Mohammedia, according to a statement following a General Assembly on Tuesday.
The facility, Morocco’s only oil refinery, went bankrupt in 2015 under a USD 4 billion debt burden and ceased operations in 2016.
Union leaders demanded urgent government action to restart the refinery’s operations. They urged authorities to “end the delays” and explore all possible solutions, including transferring ownership to the state while compensating creditors.
The union highlighted the severe economic and social toll of the refinery’s prolonged closure. Members criticized the “massive losses” it has caused and drew attention to the “dire social conditions” active and retired workers face.
The refinery’s crisis has stifled the northwestern city of Mohammedia’s local economy and hampered its development, the statement noted.
With global energy markets facing instability and geopolitical uncertainty, the union pointed out that Morocco must bolster its energy sovereignty. They noted that petroleum products account for over 52% of the nation’s energy needs, making it vital to revive domestic refining capacity.
In addition to reopening the refinery, the union suggested connecting it to the natural gas grid and reviving petrochemical industries to boost economic returns.
Union representatives also indicated the importance of protecting the workforce’s skills and experience in the petroleum area. They called for immediate resolution of pension contributions, restoration of salaries, and adherence to collective labor agreements.
Since SAMIR’s closure, Morocco has faced challenges in maintaining its fuel reserves, as the refinery once processed up to 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
The government has been actively seeking buyers to restore the refinery’s operations and is developing a new initiative to revitalize the facility.