Best Wage & Hour Lawyers in Tétouan

About Wage & Hour Law in Tétouan, Morocco

Wage and hour law in Tétouan is governed primarily by the Moroccan Labour Code, a national framework that applies across the country. It sets baseline rules for working time, overtime, rest periods, pay practices, paid leave, and record-keeping. Local employers in Tétouan may also be bound by collective bargaining agreements or internal regulations that provide additional protections, provided they do not undercut national minimum standards. Enforcement is carried out by the Labour Inspectorate and labour courts, and social security matters are supervised by the national social security fund.

If you work or run a business in Tétouan, understanding these rules is critical. They affect how schedules are set, how wages and overtime are calculated, when rest days and holidays apply, what deductions are legal, and how disputes are resolved. When problems arise, early legal guidance can prevent small issues from turning into costly litigation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a wage and hour lawyer if you suspect unpaid wages or overtime, if your employer misclassifies you as an independent contractor, if you are denied legally required rest days or paid leave, or if you receive pay below the applicable national minimum wage. A lawyer can also help if you face unlawful deductions, if you are asked to work off the clock, or if your employer does not provide payslips or accurate time records.

Employers often seek counsel when designing compliant schedules, drafting internal regulations, auditing pay practices, responding to Labour Inspectorate inquiries, negotiating with unions, or defending claims before the labour court. Because time limits for claims can be short and documentation is crucial, early legal support is valuable for both workers and employers.

Local Laws Overview

Coverage and contracts. Most private sector employees in Tétouan are covered by the Moroccan Labour Code. Contracts may be indefinite or fixed-term, with fixed-term contracts allowed only in specific circumstances defined by law. Domestic workers and agricultural workers have special rules adopted by statute, but still benefit from core protections related to wages and hours.

Working time. In most non-agricultural sectors, the standard workweek is set nationally and schedules are organized by the employer within legal limits. Sectoral agreements can adapt scheduling, provided they respect the law. Night work and work during weekly rest days or public holidays are specially regulated and can trigger pay premiums.

Overtime. Overtime is generally permitted within statutory limits and must be paid at a premium. Premium levels are higher for night work and for work on the weekly rest day or public holidays. Employers must track hours precisely and reflect overtime on the payslip.

Rest and breaks. Employees are entitled to a weekly rest day and to reasonable daily breaks for meals and rest. Internal regulations or collective agreements often specify break timing while respecting minimum standards under the Labour Code.

Public holidays and leave. Morocco recognizes a set of paid public holidays. Employees accrue paid annual leave after a qualifying period, with minimum accrual set by law and additional days added for seniority in some cases. Special leaves, such as maternity leave and paternity leave, are regulated by statute and may involve social security benefits.

Minimum wage. Morocco sets national minimum wages for non-agricultural sectors and for agriculture. Rates are periodically updated by decree. Employers in Tétouan must respect the current rates applicable to their sector and must adjust pay automatically when new rates take effect.

Wage payment and payslips. Wages must be paid in Moroccan dirhams at regular intervals and accompanied by a detailed payslip that shows hours, base pay, overtime, bonuses, allowances, deductions, and social security contributions. Employers must keep payroll and time records for inspection.

Deductions. Only deductions authorized by law, court order, collective agreement, or written employee consent are permitted, and they must respect statutory caps. Mandatory deductions include income tax withholding and social security contributions.

Youth employment. The Labour Code restricts work by young workers and sets a minimum employment age. Night work and hazardous work are limited or prohibited for minors.

Enforcement and dispute resolution. The Labour Inspectorate in Tétouan investigates complaints, facilitates conciliation, and issues compliance directives. Unresolved disputes can be brought before the labour section of the competent court. Many cases begin with conciliation, and written evidence like time sheets and payslips is often decisive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard workweek in Tétouan?

In most non-agricultural sectors in Morocco, the standard workweek is set by national law. Employers organize daily schedules within legal limits and must respect weekly rest periods. Some sectors have specific arrangements through collective agreements that remain within statutory boundaries.

How is overtime paid?

Overtime must be paid at premium rates above the regular hourly wage. Premiums are higher for night work and for work on the weekly rest day or public holidays. The exact percentages and daily or weekly caps are set by the Labour Code and related decrees. Overtime should appear separately on your payslip.

Are employers required to provide payslips?

Yes. Employers must issue a detailed payslip each pay period. It should show hours worked, base pay, overtime, allowances, bonuses, deductions, and social security contributions. Keep your payslips, as they are key evidence in any wage dispute.

Can my employer make deductions from my salary?

Only deductions permitted by law or authorized in writing are allowed, such as income tax withholding, social security, court-ordered amounts, or agreed advances. Unlawful deductions can be challenged through the Labour Inspectorate or the court.

What are my rights to rest days and public holidays?

Employees are entitled to a weekly rest day and to paid public holidays recognized by Morocco. If you are required to work on your weekly rest day or on a public holiday, you are generally entitled to compensatory rest and a pay premium according to the law.

Do I accrue paid annual leave and how is it calculated?

Employees accrue paid annual leave after a qualifying period. The Labour Code sets a minimum accrual rate, and additional days may be added with seniority or by collective agreement. Employers must keep leave records and pay leave at the employee's normal rate.

What is the minimum wage in Morocco?

Morocco sets national minimum wages for non-agricultural sectors and a distinct minimum for agriculture. The rates are revised periodically by decree. Check the most current official rate that applies to your sector in Tétouan or ask the Labour Inspectorate or a lawyer for confirmation.

How quickly must my final pay be provided when I leave?

Final pay should include outstanding wages, accrued paid leave, and any statutory indemnities due, and it must be paid within a legally compliant timeframe. If final pay is delayed or incomplete, you can seek assistance from the Labour Inspectorate or pursue a claim.

What if I am treated as an independent contractor but work like an employee?

Misclassification is a common issue. If the reality of your work shows subordination, fixed schedules, and integration into the employer's organization, a court may reclassify you as an employee. That can trigger back pay for overtime, leave, social security contributions, and penalties.

How long do I have to file a wage claim?

Limitation periods apply to wage and hour claims, and they can be short. The exact deadline depends on the nature of the claim and when you learned of the violation. To protect your rights, consult a lawyer promptly and keep all relevant documents.

Additional Resources

Labour Inspectorate in Tétouan. This government office receives complaints, conducts inspections, and offers conciliation between employees and employers. You can visit the local inspectorate for guidance on working time, overtime, and pay practices.

Social Security Fund CNSS. The local CNSS agency in Tétouan handles registration, contributions, and wage-related benefits such as maternity and family allowances. It can help verify that contributions are declared correctly.

Labour Court section in Tétouan. The labour section of the competent court hears wage and hour disputes. Court clerks can provide procedural information, including filing requirements and hearing dates.

Trade unions and employer associations. Local branches of major unions and the regional employers' confederation can provide sector-specific guidance, collective agreements, and support during negotiations or disputes.

Provincial and regional authorities. The Wilaya and Prefecture services may direct you to the appropriate labour, social security, or mediation offices.

Next Steps

Gather evidence. Collect contracts, internal regulations, schedules, time sheets, payslips, bank statements, messages about hours, and any notes of discussions with supervisors. Create a simple timeline of hours worked, overtime, rest days, and any unpaid amounts.

Seek early advice. Speak with a wage and hour lawyer in Tétouan or consult the Labour Inspectorate for an initial orientation. Early advice can clarify your rights, deadlines, and the best forum for resolution.

Consider internal resolution. If safe to do so, raise the issue with your employer in writing and keep a copy. Many disputes settle once accurate records are reviewed.

Use conciliation. The Labour Inspectorate offers conciliation that can lead to a quick settlement with an official record. Bring your documents to the appointment.

File a claim if needed. If negotiation fails, your lawyer can file a claim before the labour court. Be mindful of limitation periods and evidentiary requirements. Proceedings are usually conducted in Arabic with frequent use of French documents, so ask your lawyer about translations if needed.

Agree on fees and scope. Request a written fee agreement from your lawyer that explains billing, expected steps, and timelines. Ask about settlement options and how court costs are handled.

Important note. This guide provides general information, not legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation in Tétouan, consult a qualified labour lawyer or the local Labour Inspectorate.