The average wage is rising, but thousands of workers, can’t make ends meet

 

22 October 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

In light of the figures showing the average wage at 2,600 euros, AKEL reiterates that this figure is, in reality, far removed from the everyday reality of the majority of workers. These are people who have to count their money to make it to the end of the month and see their income squeezed by the cost of housing, electricity and basic necessities.

The same figures reveal that whilst the average wage stands at €2,591, the median wage is just €1,953 gross. This means that half of all employees earn up to €1,953 a month. Unlike the average, which is skewed by very high salaries, the median better reflects the centre of the wage distribution. For thousands of workers, the gap between their wages and the needs they are required to meet remains big.

AKEL insists on a substantial increase in the minimum wage so that it reflects the real cost of living, on its annual adjustment based on the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), and on the establishment of an hourly rate. Economic growth cannot be based on the low wages of thousands of young workers. Young people must be paid wages that enable them to live with dignity, to buy their own home and to plan for their future.

It is therefore imperative that the government proceed without further delay to table the bill to increase the number of workers covered by collective labour agreements, as indeed provided for in the relevant European Directive. At the same time, it must take specific measures to ensure the mandatory application of the basic terms of agreed sectoral agreements by all employers in the relevant sectors. Where the state grants subsidies or awards public projects and contracts, it must demand the implementation of the relevant Collective Labour Agreements.

Economic growth must be reflected in a real improvement in working people’s incomes and living standards. Increased government surpluses must be used to support those hardest hit by rising costs. Those who generate wealth are entitled to see the fruits of their labour reflected in their own homes.