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Cyprus workers are seeing a welcome bump in their pay as the national minimum wage has risen as of January 1.
For employees just starting a new job, the monthly minimum wage goes up from 900 to 979 euros. After six months with the same employer, it jumps from €1,000 to €1,088 for full-time work. Part-time workers will see their minimum pay adjusted according to their hours.
The updated rules also replace older hotel industry wage regulations with the latest 2023 standards. Full-time hours remain as set by law or past agreements.
Officials say the increase is meant to help workers keep up with the cost of living while supporting fair and competitive wages for businesses, but not everyone is convinced it’s enough. Some workers say that even with the rise, wages still lag behind soaring prices for basic goods and services. “It’s a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t cover the reality of today’s economy,” said one Nicosia retail worker.
For many Cypriots, the change means a little more breathing room in their monthly budget, though the debate over whether it truly meets the needs of everyday workers is far from over.