MOROCCAN trade unions have demanded an urgent investigation and compensation payments to the families of 24 people who drowned when an illegal underground garment factory in Tangiers was flooded earlier this week.

The Moroccan Workers Union (UMT) and the Democratic Confederation of Labour (CDT) hit out at the “avoidable tragedy,” holding employers and the authorities responsible.

In a joint statement, the union federations said: “There is a general acceptance of the exploitation of workers and violations of working conditions in order to accumulate wealth.”

More than 130 workers were employed in the factory, located in the basement of a residential building, which did not comply with basic health and safety requirements.

Local media reported that, during torrential rain, water poured into the basement.

Some 10 people were rescued by a man who used a rope to bring them to safety, but eight men and 17 women perished. Those who died were aged between 20 and 40, according to government officials.

Ahmed Hassoun, general secretary of garment workers’ union SNTHC-CDT, said: “This tragedy brings back the memory of the 2008 disaster when a mattress factory burnt down, killing 56 workers and wounding 17 more.

“We deplore the greed of employers and their urge to cover up violations that undermine workers’ rights, and we call for accountability.”

He demanded that those responsible be brought to justice and that compensation be paid to the families of the dead.

IndustriALL general secretary Valter Sanches said: “This is an unacceptable tragedy where workers at the bottom of the supply chain yet again pay the price for cheap production.

“The garment industry must be made safe for the people who contribute to its enormous output.

“IndustriALL stands in solidarity with the victims and their families.”