A significant 62% of workers in Cyprus have struggled to make ends meet financially during the last few days of the month for almost every month over the past six months, a SEK (Cyprus Workers’ Confederation) survey has found.
Additionally, another 20% reported facing financial difficulties towards the end of the month two to three times within the same six-month period.
This stark economic reality for thousands of employees is highlighted in a survey conducted by IMR on behalf of SEK, the results of which were presented yesterday. SEK General Secretary Andreas Matsas described the findings as depressing, noting that the survey confirms the unions’ demands for wage increases, particularly in the minimum wage, the full reinstatement of the Cost of Living Allowance (ATA), the extension of collective agreements to all workers, and guarantees for pensions above the poverty line, among other issues.
The IMR survey was conducted nationwide in January 2025 with a sample of 2,000 working individuals aged 16-65, selected using random stratified sampling.
Beyond monthly financial struggles, 23% of respondents reported difficulty purchasing essential goods almost every month, while another 25% experienced this two to three times in the last six months. Even more concerning, 22% stated they had to borrow money almost every month to cover their financial obligations, with an additional 25% doing so two to three times within the six-month period.
Workers’ difficulties extend beyond basic needs to their ability to take holidays. The survey revealed that 61% said their income does not allow them to go on holiday, compared to 39% who can. When asked how many days a year they typically go on holiday, the average was 8.8 days. However, 56% reported that their holidays have been reduced to between four days and a week, while a small percentage (6%) stated they take less than three days of holiday per year.
Why not emigrate?
Another worrying finding was that 44% of respondents stated they would be willing to emigrate to find better job opportunities, compared to 27% who said they would not. The highest percentage of those willing to emigrate was in the 16-24 age group (61%), decreasing to 50% in the 25-44 age group and further to 37% in the 45-65 age group.
Regarding the national minimum wage, there appears to be widespread agreement and a universal demand for an increase. Specifically, 98% stated that the current national minimum starting wage of €1,000 is insufficient to cover basic living needs, with only 2% disagreeing. When asked if they were paid less before the minimum wage was introduced on January 1, 2023, 42% answered yes. A relatively small percentage (17%) reported an increase in working hours following the implementation of the minimum wage legislation, while the vast majority (83%) reported no such change. Finally, when asked what they believe the gross national minimum wage should be to meet needs in Cyprus, the average response was €1,413, with 40% suggesting an amount above €1,400.
Wage discrimination based on “connections” and gender
Interesting data also emerged regarding perceptions of wage discrimination in the workplace. Specifically, 68% of respondents believed that wage and income discrimination exists in Cyprus to a large extent, and 27% to a considerable extent. However, when asked if they had ever felt personally subjected to wage discrimination, 72% answered negatively.
When asked about the type of wage discrimination experienced, the responses reflected, to some extent, prevailing perceptions in Cypriot society. The largest proportion (28%) cited discrimination based on “connections”.
A significant 23% reported gender discrimination, with the same percentage citing age discrimination. Another 17% mentioned discrimination based on economic status, 10% due to political affiliation, 6% due to nationality and origin, also 6% due to appearance, 4% due to illness or disability, and 1% due to sexual orientation.
In conclusion, SEK General Secretary Andreas Matsas stated that the trade union movement is in consultation and cooperation with the European Trade Union Confederation in an effort to persuade the EU to devise the necessary strategy to address the current situation, stabilising the economy by reinstating the SURE initiative to support wages, employment, living standards, and the purchasing power of wages.
Read more:
