The phrase "Let them eat cake," often misattributed to Marie Antoinette, symbolizes the apathy of the privileged towards the suffering of the masses. Today, this sentiment echoes in Cyprus, where trade unions, in their pursuit of a Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA) for a select few, seem disconnected from the realities faced by the broader workforce.
While a raise for employees is a legitimate demand, the timing and focus of the unions raise serious concerns. Workers across various sectors in Cyprus are grappling with stagnant wages, precarious job security, and a cost of living that continues to rise. Instead of addressing the pressing needs of the majority, unions prioritize CoLA, a seemingly trivial increase for a privileged subset of employees.
This approach risks exacerbating social divides at a time when unity is essential. Employees not covered by CoLA, including many in lower-income roles, may find themselves resentful, feeling abandoned in the union's quest for the smallest crumb of privilege. Additionally, without salary limits on CoLA, the unions are setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to conflicts and further alienation within the workforce.
If unions wish to be effective advocates for all workers, they must adopt a broader perspective. Support for equitable wage increases and sustainable pension reforms should take precedence over insular agendas. Now, more than ever, Cyprus needs trade unions to be champions for solidarity, ensuring no worker feels like a mere afterthought in the struggle for economic justice. Let us strive for true equity, lest we repeat history's mistakes, with unions echoing Antoinette's infamous disconnect, saying, “Let them eat cake.”