They give up their jobs to stay close to an elderly parent, but without a salary it becomes difficult to build an independent life. This is the situation that the San Marino Workers’ Union (Usl) has brought to attention on World Decent Work Day, marked on 7 October. The union points to a growing number of young people taking on the care of parents and grandparents, and is calling for greater protection for those who look after family members.
“Many sons and daughters of elderly parents have come to our offices telling us they gave up work long ago to look after their mothers or fathers,” the Usl reports. These are choices driven by real need: caring for people who can no longer manage on their own. According to the union, the problem is compounded by a lack of attention to these situations within some businesses.
The issue is also a financial one. “Without support, however, it is unthinkable that these willing young people will also find the resources to start a family of their own and, in turn, have children,” the organisation stresses.
Against this backdrop, the Usl has welcomed Family Law no. 141 of 23 September, and its recognition of the role of caregiver — that is, someone who looks after a family member. The union highlights the option for workers to take a leave of absence with paid notional contributions and a financial allowance equal to twice the social pension.
For the Usl, this recognition also reflects the value of work that has long gone without adequate protection. “This role restores dignity even to those who technically have no job, because they have always carried out one that, until now, was not recognised as such,” the union notes.
The new law is therefore seen as a step forward, though questions remain to be clarified. In the coming months, the organisation says, the priority will be to provide answers to citizens’ questions. This is why it has welcomed the swift opening of the Family Help Desk (Punto Famiglie) at the Equal Opportunities Authority office, which offers guidance on the new regulations.
Finally, the Usl’s appeal extends to working conditions more broadly. According to the union, even in San Marino there are cases where protections are not recognised: erga omnes contracts guarantee important rights, but some forms of work remain excluded. And for those who devote their days to caring for others, recognition must translate into concrete support.
