Hard hats, scaffolding, and steel don't always bring peace of mind. A Cuban construction worker in A Coruña candidly explains how his paycheck arrives on the first of the month only to vanish that same day. This blunt reality resonates with countless migrants who see their own stories reflected in his.
The YouTube channel Los Chuchis captured his testimony, showcasing the earnings in Spain and how swiftly they disappear in daily life. From that video, Huffington Post pieced together the experience of this laborer who, despite the physical demands of his job, struggles to make ends meet.
"I earn about 1,200 euros, sometimes reaching 1,300 euros; my salary comes in on the first and rests in peace that same day," the Cuban remarks from atop the scaffolding. This is no exaggeration. By the next day, automatic deductions begin: phone bills, subscriptions, utilities. In mere hours, the paycheck is gone.
Living alone, he pays 610 euros in rent. To this, he adds electricity bills around 100 euros and a water bill that comes quarterly. The math is straightforward and harsh. More than half of his salary is spent just to keep a roof over his head and the lights on. "That money passes through my card, makes a stop, and moves on," he humorously summarizes.
The remaining funds shrink further due to a decision made in hopes of advancing. He purchased a van to try working independently delivering packages, but the plan failed. Nevertheless, the debt remains.
Each month, he pays 260 euros for a vehicle that now sits idle. After deducting expenses, he's left with just "a couple of hundred" to survive the rest of the month.
The construction worker does not sugarcoat the migrant experience. "Here, money doesn't stretch far, just enough to pay rent and live decently," he states plainly. While acknowledging the opportunities in Spain, he emphasizes that living on a single income is an uphill battle. Two incomes might ease the burden, but one alone does not suffice.
Still, there's something he finds rewarding. Having a steady job and a place to sleep. "Just being able to pay for the apartment is a blessing," he says. Finding rest after a hard day's work, keeping his family together, and not living in constant fear of losing everything are his greatest achievements.
The video also features other workers. Some earn more, around 2,000 euros through arrangements with their boss, but even they admit their income vanishes quickly. The key difference, they note, is sharing expenses with a partner. "One salary isn't enough these days," one worker acknowledges.
The story resonated immediately in the video's comments. Migrants who moved to the U.S. after living in Spain, workers claiming that even 2,000 euros isn't enough, and others warning that without a partner, subscriptions and small luxuries also disappear.
From Cuba, some compare and conclude that it is "a thousand times better" than the island's hardships. Others simply appreciate the honesty. "It's great that he speaks openly and truthfully," one user wrote.
Construction remains one of the sectors most reliant on migrant labor in Spain, partly due to a lack of generational replacement. Yet, behind the job lies a monthly endurance race.
The Cuban construction worker sums it up without drama or slogans: you work, you pay, you move forward. The salary may vanish, but as long as there's a roof and the family stays together, he says, you can live at peace.
Insights into Migrant Earnings in Spain
How much does a Cuban construction worker earn in Spain?
A Cuban construction worker in A Coruña earns approximately 1,200 to 1,300 euros per month.
What are the main expenses for a migrant worker in Spain?
Key expenses include 610 euros for rent, around 100 euros for electricity, and periodic water bills, among other costs like phone and subscriptions.
Why is it challenging for a single income to suffice in Spain?
With high living costs and essential expenses, managing on a single income can be difficult, making dual-income households more viable.