After decades of professional dedication, many expect a quiet renovation. However, an Italian from the city of Bergamo saw this dream be destroyed after discovering that he was not entitled to the reform pension.
Family pharmacy, without official work registration
According to the portal the man worked between 1975 and 2000 in the pharmacy he managed with his then wife. “It was a family business and she was the owner,” he said. The problem was that it was never officially registered as a worker.
Fired without compensation or discounts for the reform
The situation got worse when it was dismissed without any compensation and, even worse, without compulsory contributions. This lapse prevented it from accumulating the years to request the pension.
At the time, he did not realize the absence of discounts. “I hadn’t worried before because, when things are doing well, you don’t think there may be something bad,” he acknowledged, admitting that he trusted the operation of the business.
Discovery made at 53
It was only after abandoning the pharmacy at the age of 53, who realized the error. Decades of work had been, from a legal point of view, ignored. A difficult shock to overcome.
Unions could not help
After the discovery, he tried to seek help from the unions, but the answer was discouraging: “Contributions were not paid in time,” they told him, leaving him without many options.
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Work at 78 to support the new family
Today, at the age of 78, he continues to work, now on his own, to be able to support the new family. Provides sporadic services in pharmacies of friends, despite the advanced age.
The work you do has no stability. “I work as an autonomous with a VAT number and I don’t have a stable contract, but with a little effort I can keep my family,” he explained.
Life change led the new decision
Initially, he chose not to file a complaint. However, in the last ten years, the arrival of a new son has changed his perspective. “I liked to leave you something,” he said.
Since he was denied any right, he has never had contact with the former pharmacy. “When I was told I was no longer entitled to anything, I no longer knew about them,” he lamented.
Feeling of injustice remains
The case left a strong resentment. “We are talking about hundreds of thousands of euros at stake. It’s not an easy story,” he said, underlining the dimension of the loss.
Despite the injustice, he sought to continue with his life. “In all this time I tried to redo my life and forget,” he said, although he acknowledged that the episode marked him deeply.
Legacy no one would like to inherit
In addition to the financial impact, the case left him an emotional burden. “What made me a scandalous legacy,” he said.
Resilience and willingness to live remain present
Even without the support of a pension, he refuses to give up. “My legs still support me and I can do a few hours,” he concluded, showing an admirable force in the face of adversity.
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