‘Minimum wage is falling further below breadline’

THE Cyprus Turkish Civil Servants Union (KTAMS) has stated that the breadline for a family of four has increased to 7,939TL — 1,849TL more than the net monthly minimum wage.

KTAMS chairman Güven Bengihan said: “According to a study conducted by our union, the compulsory food expenditure for an adult female to eat healthily is 68.09TL per day and 2,042.7TL per month; 71.76TL per day and 2,152.8TL per month for an adult male; 74.82TL per day and 2,244.6TL per month for children aged 15-19; and 49.95TL per day and 1,498.5TL per month for children aged 4-6.

“Despite the increase in the minimum wage as of January 1, 2022, purchasing power has declined continuously due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira.

“Considering that the prices of many goods and services in our country are indexed to foreign currency, we see that the minimum wage earner’s purchasing power has not increased but instead is rapidly deteriorating.”

Pointing out that, according to the Statistical Institute’s official figures, the country’s inflation rates were 5.07 per cent in April, 34.20 per cent in the last four months, and 88.81 per cent in the last 12 months, Mr Bengihan continued:

“The high price hikes, especially on electricity, fuel, bottled gas, bread, milk and dairy products, have almost crippled the people.

“It’s not possible for public and private sector employees and their families, let alone minimum-wage earners, to eat healthily under these conditions.

“Instead of taking measures to protect the purchasing power of the low and fixedincome segments of society, those in government are dragging these segments, who are already in trouble, into poverty by giving with a spoon and taking back with a ladle.

“What we have experienced during this time has shown us once again that the country’s leaders have no interest in finding solutions for the problems of the people.”