Cyprus-Forum.com

[GG]

I got back lastnight from Cy and I was so shocked to see how every single Cypriot trade is now being done by much cheaper foreign labour.

Thats all well and good but what is the future for Cypriots, who on earth is gonna employ a young Cypriot Electrician or Plumber for example when there are Indians and Russians doing the job for half the money and quite often do a better job too. In 2 weeks of eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner I was not once served by a Cypriot waiter or waitress, not even at the wine festival, not even at the cafe in Troodos.

I predict a massive employment problem for the next generation of Cypriots and unless the young Cypriots of tomorrow are willing to accept east european and indian salaries I see no solution. Am I the only person that is alarmed by this?

[Sotos]

I think this will create a lot of racism in the future if people start losing their jobs because foreigners accept much lower salaries.

[Mus]

Actually what should be done is that there should be a standard level for the salaries instead of how it is now. It will be competitive but at least people won't be underpaid and Cypriots won't be unemployed.

[RichardB]

Actually what should be done is that there should be a standard level for the salaries instead of how it is now. It will be competitive but at least people won't be underpaid and Cypriots won't be unemployed.

Dont think this would work mus .
We have minimum salaries in the UK but that doesnt stop immigrants to the UK accepting lower salaries or stop employers paying them.

[BaLbWiTcH]

as a british-cypriot looking for work but still in college
i see the problem coming round the corner.
its going to be hard but hasnt the usa had this prob for years and years
two things i think need to happen
the standard of the work needs to be judged

i was watching these two houses being built down the road
i think 5-6 turkish cypriots were building it for this company dont know what they were getting paid but these guys built the frame work and skeleton in a couple weeks i mean these guys were fast and good
if the greek-cypriot guy is going to do the same job and take twice the time arnt i as a consumer going to go with the cheaper faster guy that has a higher standard

the second is our attitude towards eachother and others needs to change
when being severed a smile on your face and a kind word can go a long way
we need to wake up and see that the world around us is changing

ofcoarse i wouldnt want to get paid lower wages just to get into the market place
and as we see it, a new person needs 1000cyp a month just to get by.

what can we do as a nation to change this for the better?

[elko]

Cyprus entered EU for political considerations and not economic and is now paying the price. I understand that most of the small manufacturers have shut down and are now importers.


The truth of the matter is that those who can adapt to the new situation will prosper and those who cannot will perish. Cyprus both in the north and the south have a very high rating in higher education compared to most European countries. If necessary these young people will go and work in Europe, gain experience and then come back and invest in Cyprus. Education is the key and I believe that Cypriots will be successful in the long run.
ismet
PS: Congratulations to Baghdatis for representing Cyprus successfully on the international arena. If only Turkish Cypriots could have the same chance. Hopefully, one day it will happen, not too long I hope.

[Kikapu]

Actually what should be done is that there should be a standard level for the salaries instead of how it is now. It will be competitive but at least people won't be underpaid and Cypriots won't be unemployed.

This is being done in Switzerland. Since CH entered into Bi- lateral agreement with EU few years ago, to open their markets and labour to each other, since CH refuses to join the EU (smart people), Swiss people agreed that there would be no "wage dumping". CH allows only 15,000 people a year for the "5 year permit" to live and work, and 115,000 for the "1 year permit" to live and work. Each person who needs to get these permits, must first find a job, secure a contract from the employer, stating the amount of the salary, then the employer needs to send a copy of the contract to the immigration office, which they will check to see, if the salary is the comparable to the amount paid within that industry. It has to meet within the guidelines. It various a little depending on age and experience, which might be 10-15%. When this is agreed by the immigration office, it is only then, the permit is issued. So, in other words, the employer cannot pay less than the going rate, because this would harm the Swiss workers.

Whats happening in Cyprus is nothing more than criminal against the Cypriots. I believe they have a corrupt government, who is in the pockets of business people. Within few years, if this is allowed to continue, they will become refugees within their own country, for the second time.!!

[Piratis]

Welcome to capitalism and the EU.

Maybe Switzerland can put limits because they are not an EU country, but Cyprus can not do such thing. If we were in a stable region with our banks full of foreign currencies then we would have done what the Swiss did, but we are not that lucky.

As long as the capitalists are those that control USA, EU etc there is no chance that what happens now will be reversed, it will just get worst.

[Kikapu]

Welcome to capitalism and the EU.

Maybe Switzerland can put limits because they are not an EU country, but Cyprus can not do such thing. If we were in a stable region with our banks full of foreign currencies then we would have done what the Swiss did, but we are not that lucky.

As long as the capitalists are those that control USA, EU etc there is no chance that what happens now will be reversed, it will just get worst.

But Piratis, what I don't understand is, why are there so many non EU member citizens allowed to work in Cyprus. Is it because, EU member citizens will not work that cheap, so they go to look for workers in 3rd world countries. How does the government allow this to go on, Capitalist or not ?. They must know, this is hurting their own people.

[bigfatlondonboy]

i dont often agree with you sotos but i think you are right.this sort of thing is happening in the uk already and i can see it being a big problem here..

I think this will create a lot of racism in the future if people start losing their jobs because foreigners accept much lower salaries.