In response to a question presented by the National Labor Union in Morocco on “the results and conclusions of social dialogue in the justice sector”, the minister indicated that the implementation of the new provisions provided for by the statute of the The action of the Registry Secretariat will be carried out through the development of a code of conduct intended for the civil servants of the said body, specifying that a draft code has been prepared and will be submitted to the union representations to collect their observations before its adoption.
In addition, the amendment setting the date of December 31 for the calculation of the legal quota relating to professional aptitude examinations will be adopted from the year 2025, revealed Mr. Ouahbi, adding that clerks will benefit from compensation for overtime, taking into account the specificity of work in courts, where some hearings can last until late at night.
In response to another question relating to the “conditions of employees of the registry secretariat” presented by the General Union of Moroccan Workers, Mr. Ouahbi affirmed that the ministry attaches great importance to civil servants classified in the lower scales, by opening new prospects for promotion, by abolishing the grade of fourth class clerk (scale 5) and integrating civil servants of this grade into that of third class clerk (scale 6), following the example of what was made for other categories of civil servants.
This category will be able, specified the minister, to benefit from promotions through professional aptitude examinations, accessible to candidates with six years of seniority as of December 31 of the year in which the examination takes place.
And to continue that it is possible to second civil servants for a period of three months, renewable only once, in order to meet an urgent need, in return for compensation of 2,000 dirhams outside the judicial district and 1,000 dirhams within. the judicial district, in addition to the establishment of a performance bonus among the incentive provisions.
Interministerial executives reporting to the Ministry of Justice, in particular administrators, technicians, technical assistants and administrative assistants, will be integrated into the ranks of the registry secretariat, observed the minister.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Justice Sector Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in Morocco’s justice sector. With the National Labor Union raising concerns about social dialogue results, what are your thoughts on the minister’s response regarding the code of conduct for civil servants?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The minister’s initiative to develop a code of conduct is a significant step forward. It shows an acknowledgment of the need for clear ethical guidelines within the civil service — a vital component for fostering an accountable and transparent justice system. By preparing a draft and soliciting feedback from union representatives, the government is establishing a collaborative approach to reform, which is crucial for gaining trust from both civil servants and the public.
Time.news Editor: It’s interesting that a draft has already been prepared for consultation. Why do you think it’s essential for the unions to provide their input before finalizing this code?
Expert: Unions represent the voices of civil servants, and their input is invaluable. It fosters a sense of ownership over the rules that will govern their professional conduct. Including unions in this process can lead to a code that is not only enforceable but also reflective of the realities faced by civil servants on the ground. This collaboration can help mitigate potential resistance to the code once it is implemented.
Time.news Editor: The minister also mentioned a significant amendment regarding the calculation of the legal quota for professional aptitude examinations being set to take effect in 2025. How might this amendment impact the justice sector?
Expert: This amendment is important because it establishes a clear timeline for addressing the professional aptitude exams within the justice sector. By setting the date to December 31 for these calculations, there’s a framework that civil servants can understand and prepare for. It also ensures that the evaluation of competence in the professional realm is standardized, ultimately aiming for a more qualified workforce in the justice system.
Time.news Editor: Additionally, the minister noted that clerks would benefit from compensation. Can you elaborate on why this consideration is crucial for the morale of the justice sector staff?
Expert: Compensation is a vital factor in any workforce’s morale and productivity. A fair compensation scheme acknowledges the hard work and dedication of clerks, whose roles are often underappreciated. It can lead to increased job satisfaction, better performance, and, ultimately, enhanced service delivery in the justice sector. Moreover, this step could help in attracting talented individuals to these crucial roles.
Time.news Editor: In light of these developments, what do you believe is the next step for the Moroccan justice sector in terms of reform and further dialogue?
Expert: The next step should be a genuine commitment to ongoing dialogue. Implementing the code of conduct and the compensation scheme are just starting points. Continuous discussions with all stakeholders, including unions, civil servants, and the community, will be necessary for further reforms. Ensuring that these initiatives lead to real change requires ongoing assessment, transparency, and a willingness to adapt based on feedback. This will help build a justice system that is not only efficient but also fair and equitable.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that these steps could pave the way for a more transparent and accountable justice system in Morocco.
Expert: Thank you for having me; I look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.