Agadir 24 | Agadir24
The National University of Café and Restaurant Owners in Morocco decided to organize a national protest next Tuesday, November 12, in front of the General Administration of the National Social Security Fund in Casablanca.
The National University of Cafe and Restaurant Owners in Morocco explained in a statement that this protest step comes in the context of…
“The repeated closure of café and restaurant sector units in a number of cities in the Kingdom, due to the accumulation of fines and retaliation received by Moroccan professionals from the National Social Security Fund.”
In this context, the university expressed its dissatisfaction with the recent actions of the CNSS, which “greatly harmed professionals,” calling for a 24-hour warning strike immediately after the White Day pause in the cities where the Fund’s observers inundated professionals with fines and terrors, which they described as “imaginary.” “.
The university explained that these fines and terrors led to “a state of confusion that prevailed among most Moroccan professionals as a result of the seizure of their accounts and property and the activation of forced collection procedures, which hindered the process of paying their monthly contributions and duties.”
In a related context, the body representing professionals in the café and restaurant sector criticized “the failure of the National Social Security Fund and the Minister of Economy and Finance to respond to its correspondence and appeals for the complete abolition of penalties and fines.”
In addition, the university denounced “the failure to send clear memorandums to a number of institutions related to the Covid period, in line with the decisions of the Ministry of Interior, to limit the spread of the pandemic, such as closure, early closure, and operating at 50% of capacity.”
In view of this, the National League of Café and Restaurant Owners in Morocco renewed its condemnation of the situation in the sector and the rapid closure of its units due to the aforementioned procedures, as it previously called for a committee to investigate this issue, and warned all ministries and institutions of the seriousness of the situation.
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Interview with Ahmed Elmasri, Spokesperson for the National University of Café and Restaurant Owners in Morocco
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ahmed. Can you explain the motivation behind the protest scheduled for November 12th in Casablanca?
Ahmed Elmasri: Thank you for having me. The primary motivation for our protest stems from the ongoing challenges faced by café and restaurant owners across Morocco. We have seen repeated closures of our establishments in various cities, driven by accumulating fines and what we perceive as punitive actions from the National Social Security Fund. These closures not only affect our livelihood but also impact the employment of many individuals within our communities.
Editor: What specific actions or policies are you hoping to address through this protest?
Ahmed Elmasri: We are calling for a reevaluation of the existing policies that lead to the financial burdens placed on our businesses. We want to see a more supportive approach from the National Social Security Fund that acknowledges the struggles we are facing, especially in light of the economic recovery post-COVID-19. We are advocating for a more equitable regulatory environment that supports rather than punishes our sector.
Editor: How has the restaurant and café sector responded to these challenges thus far?
Ahmed Elmasri: The response has been a mix of resilience and frustration. Many businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and some have had to close their doors permanently. This protest is a collective effort to raise awareness about our plight and to unite our members. We are not just fighting for ourselves, but for the thousands of workers who depend on our industry for their livelihoods.
Editor: What do you hope to achieve from this protest?
Ahmed Elmasri: Ultimately, we hope to bring about meaningful dialogue with the authorities. Our goal is to reach an agreement that offers solutions to the current issues we face, such as a reduction in fines and more lenient regulations that can help our businesses thrive. We want to see government support that recognizes our contributions to the economy and helps us create stable jobs.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ahmed. We wish you and your organization the best in your efforts.
Ahmed Elmasri: Thank you for having me. We appreciate the support and hope for a positive outcome.
Ronment that does not penalize us for trying to operate under challenging conditions. Moreover, we are demanding the complete abolition of penalties and fines that have been imposed on us without proper justification or communication.
Editor: You mentioned that the penalties have created a state of confusion among café and restaurant owners. Can you elaborate on this confusion and its effects on your members?
Ahmed Elmasri: Certainly. Many of our members have found their accounts seized and properties threatened due to the fines we consider to be unjust. This situation not only leads to financial instability but also emotional distress among business owners. They are uncertain about their rights, and the lack of clear communication from the CNSS exacerbates this uncertainty. Many owners are struggling to pay their monthly contributions due to these forced collection procedures, which only adds to the confusion and chaos in the sector.
Editor: You also mentioned a lack of response from the National Social Security Fund and government ministries regarding your appeals. What would you like to see from them moving forward?
Ahmed Elmasri: We want to see constructive dialogue. It’s essential that our appeals and concerns are not only acknowledged but addressed effectively. We need clarity on policies and a commitment to an open line of communication. Our sector played a crucial role during the pandemic, and now it’s time for the institutions to support us in our efforts to recover. We believe that establishing a committee to investigate this issue will promote better understanding and resolution.
Editor: Thank you, Ahmed, for sharing the pressing issues facing the café and restaurant industry in Morocco. We wish you the best for your protest on November 12th.
Ahmed Elmasri: Thank you for highlighting our concerns. We hope for a positive outcome that ensures the sustainability of our businesses and the livelihood of all those who depend on them.
