Newsroom
Artists who worked at a cultural event organised by the Limassol Municipality have reportedly been waiting for their payment for almost three months, according to actor Yolanda Christodoulou, who has publicly called for an explanation.
Christodoulou said she and fellow performers carried out their work professionally, attending rehearsals and performances as required, but have yet to receive the money they were owed.
The actor said the group had already contacted the municipality in writing to request an update on when their outstanding payments would be made. According to her, they received no response.
The situation prompted Christodoulou to question why artists are expected to meet their professional commitments on time when payment for completed work can be delayed for months.
She argued that the responsibility should work both ways in a professional agreement. Artists taking part in municipal events are expected to attend rehearsals, appear at performances and honour the terms of their agreements. The organisation commissioning their work, she said, should also meet its obligations.
Christodoulou stressed that the performers are not asking for special treatment or additional compensation. They are seeking payment for work they have already completed.
She acknowledged that administrative procedures can sometimes cause delays, but said such processes have a direct impact on the people waiting to be paid.
"Behind every invoice, every contract and every procedure there are people," she said, pointing to artists who have families, household bills and other financial commitments.
Christodoulou has now called on the Limassol Municipality to provide a clear explanation for the delay and state when the professionals who worked at the event will receive their outstanding payments.
She also argued that cultural events depend on the work of performers and technical staff whose labour should be treated as professional work with a corresponding financial obligation.
The issue comes down to a straightforward question for those still waiting: after completing the work they were hired to do, when will they actually be paid?
