Maria's story is a stark reminder of the harsh reality many face in their golden years. At 65, she finds herself forced back into the workforce, working illegally in Luxembourg, all because her retirement income falls short of making ends meet.
But here's the catch: despite four decades of diligent social security contributions, Maria's pension is woefully inadequate. She shared her story with Contacto, squeezing in an interview on a Sunday, the only day her busy schedule allows.
Maria's journey began in 1992 when she migrated from Portugal to Luxembourg. She worked tirelessly until early retirement at 60, believing she had fulfilled the service years required. However, the pension she receives today only accounts for 15 years of work in Luxembourg, disregarding her 13 years of full-time employment in Portugal.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that her pension from Portugal is yet to materialize, and the deductions from her 12 years of work in Capellen were treated as if made in Brussels, resulting in a lump sum payment. "I couldn't find anyone to guide me through the process," she laments, suggesting this might be the reason for her current predicament.
With a monthly retirement income of €1,100, half of which goes towards a loan on her house in Portugal, Maria feels she has no choice but to work illegally. The work is under the table, without the safety net of calculated overtime or payslips.
Her daily routine is grueling. She rises at 5:00 AM to catch the bus to Luxembourg City, and on Mondays, she starts even earlier at 4:00 AM to reach Canach by 5:00 AM. She works four hours there before heading to her second job in Steinsel. This pattern repeats on other days at different locations and times.
Despite her efforts, Maria barely makes ends meet and has to deprive herself of many things to save money. She reminisces about her first job in Luxembourg, where she worked as a cook in a Portuguese café in Mersch for five years, followed by 15 years in the cleaning sector, always with proper deductions and official employment.
Her financial situation was more comfortable when she worked for a large European organization in Capellen, earning €3,000 net monthly. This income allowed her to pay off her mortgage and manage daily expenses. However, her current pension of around €1,100 (increased from €900 two years ago) makes financial management a struggle.
Maria's husband, who returned to Portugal after just six months in Luxembourg, is also retired. Their living apart was challenging, and Maria faced social judgment for being a woman living alone. She considers her biggest investment to be the house she built on land purchased before emigrating, but regrets taking out loans in stages due to rising interest rates.
Currently, Maria resides in Dudelange with her eldest daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. She contributes to household expenses and supports her youngest daughter, a mother of a one-year-old. Maria works 23 hours a week, cleaning four houses, earning €17 per hour, with her husband also chipping in.
Despite her struggles, Maria is grateful for the opportunities Luxembourg has provided and the people she's worked with. She acknowledges that working illegally is wrong and hopes to return to Portugal soon to enjoy her hard-earned retirement. This is her second attempt to return permanently, and she believes her health and strength will allow her to work a little longer. Once in Portugal, she plans to rest for a while, even if it's just for two years.
And here's where it gets controversial: is Maria's situation an isolated case, or does it reflect a broader issue with the pension system? Are there others like her, struggling silently? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Remember, every perspective matters in shaping a fair and inclusive society.
