A TikTok video posted by user @anita.cubanita64 has sparked widespread reactions by highlighting the dire economic situation in Cuba. In the video, a young Cuban mother reveals what she can afford with her salary as a teacher, which amounts to just $8 a month because she is on maternity leave and receives only 60% of her salary. "My basic salary is 4,100 Cuban pesos, roughly $12, but after deductions, I am left with $11. Now that I'm on maternity leave, I only receive 60% of my salary, which means $8 a month," the young woman explains in the video.
Throughout the footage, the teacher displays the items she could purchase with her earnings, including some sweets, sanitary wipes, a bar of soap, plastic cups, rationed potatoes, noodles, garlic, onions, rice, and small yogurts for her child. She also visits a toy store where she observes that the prices for children's toys exceed 1,000 Cuban pesos, making it impossible for a teacher to buy one for her child without sacrificing their food budget.
The video has generated thousands of comments and reactions, showcasing indignation, surprise, and disbelief regarding the economic plight of Cuban workers. Notable reactions include comparisons from users in other countries. Some mentioned that $8 is spent on a single breakfast, that in Colombia, maternity leave is fully paid, and that in Venezuela, a teacher earns only $2 a month. Other users expressed shock, noting that $12 is the price of a pack of baby diapers, while someone from Guatemala remarked that amount barely covers a meal.
This teacher’s situation adds to the growing number of viral reports about the salary crisis in Cuba. Recently, another TikTok video showed how an attorney's salary on the island, $14 a month, could barely cover basic products in a market. Similarly, in February, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged that "you cannot live on a salary of 6,000 pesos," without offering any solutions to the severe economic crisis facing the country. As prices continue to rise and the purchasing power of Cubans diminishes, social media has become a vital platform for exposing the harsh reality faced by thousands of families on the island.
FAQs on Cuba's Economic Challenges
What is the typical salary for a teacher in Cuba?
The typical salary for a teacher in Cuba is approximately 4,100 Cuban pesos, which equals about $12. However, many face deductions that reduce their take-home pay.
How does maternity leave impact a teacher's salary in Cuba?
During maternity leave, a Cuban teacher receives only 60% of her salary, which can further diminish an already limited income.
What challenges do Cuban families face due to low wages?
Cuban families struggle to afford basic necessities due to low wages, with some salaries not covering even fundamental needs such as food or diapers.