Addressing Income Inequality: PEO’s Push for Fair Wages and Social Policies
At the forefront of the 10th Pan-Cypriot Conference of SIDIKEK PEO, General Secretary Sotiroulla Charalambous highlighted the organization’s commitment to tackling income inequality by advocating for improved real wages. Charalambous underscored the necessity of enhancing Collective Employment Agreements, with a particular focus on entry-level salaries.
Despite the robust growth of the Cypriot economy, Charalambous noted that such expansion has not effectively addressed social inequalities. The disparity in income distribution persists, and workers continue to face financial pressures exacerbated by inflation and soaring interest rates.
The General Secretary offered a critical view of the government’s approach to social policy, which she described as sporadic and insufficient. She argued that the current administration’s reliance on one-time grants is inadequate and called for a more comprehensive strategy to ensure fair income redistribution.
In response to the enduring challenges of inflation and impending green taxes, Charalambous proposed several measures aimed at bolstering social support for Cypriots. These include:
- Revising income criteria and increasing allowances for children, single parents, and students.
- Expanding parental leave and allowances until a child reaches 15 years of age.
- Implementing a state-backed programme to develop care infrastructure in collaboration with local authorities.
- Extending all-day schooling to encompass both primary and secondary education levels.
- Enhancing housing programmes and rental subsidies that reflect socio-economic needs.
- Raising the Minimum Guaranteed Income to better support living standards.
- Addressing the 12% retirement penalty for those retiring at 63 and improving the Social Security Fund’s return rate to ensure adequate pensions.
Charalambous’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among labor organizations for more equitable economic policies. The PEO’s agenda sets a clear path towards addressing the pressing issues of income inequality and social disparities, with hopes that these initiatives will lead to a more balanced and just society.
