2,260 euros: the reference salary in the Balearic Islands for a decent living

PalmThe CCOO union estimated the reference salary required in the Balearic Islands to cover essential daily living expenses at €2,260.47 gross per month (in 14 payments), according to a study commissioned by the Intercoopera Foundation. The report reflects significant imbalances between the islands—with Ibiza leading the way, where the reference salary soars to €2,996.06—and a need for a 14% salary increase compared to the previous year, well above the actual growth recorded. Specifically, on the other islands, the reference salary is €2,166.16 in Mallorca, €1,947.03 in Menorca, €2,996.06 in Ibiza, and €2,976.64 in Formentera.

As detailed by the CCOO in a press release, the study proposes "specific measures to correct these inequalities," such as limiting the prices of basic foodstuffs, declaring the Balearic Islands a stressed area to limit rent, increasing the regional budget allocated to public housing, strengthening public transport and guaranteeing social policies, especially those focused on school canteens.

"The socio-economic situation, far from improving, has continued to worsen the crisis of decoupling between working conditions and the cost of living," the union lamented, adding that the labor market, in terms of employment, continues at record numbers, and that the tourist seasons are getting better and better, but "the tourist seasons are getting better and better, but "living conditions."

"Contrary to this," CCOO points out, despite the improvements achieved by the union, the purchasing power of the working class is waning: the cost of living, directly affected by the exorbitant rise in housing prices, is growing at a faster rate than that of members. public measures that contain or reduce the prices of basic goods, while improving and expanding public services that should guarantee access to citizens' rights and allow them to have a life plan.

The study's analysis also reveals that, to cover expenses, salaries would have had to increase by 14% compared to last year, i.e., 7.75 percentage points more than the actual growth in the average salary in the Balearic Islands. The report also notes that regional differences are worsening: Ibiza recorded the most significant increase, with 21.28% compared to the previous year—7.28 percentage points above the Balearic average—and that the most significant items were housing, followed by extraordinary expenses, food, and transportation. In fact, housing is the item that weighs most heavily in the reference salary: it represents 57% across the islands and reaches 66.31% in the case of Ibiza.

The union has emphasized the clear need to continue increasing wages through collective bargaining, and that social dialogue must serve to propose improvements in policies aimed at reducing inequalities and increasing social cohesion through improved living conditions.