Company slammed for sub-par retirement party for 42-year employee, co-worker saves the day

Lifestyle

Brooke Rolfe, News.com.au

John, an elderly man who has spent more than 40 years commuting 40 minutes to work for minimum wage at an unknown company, ate a small portion of barbecue as a “reward” for his service.

John’s below-average ratings and 42 years of dedication to the company upset his co-workers, many of whom had been with him for more than 30 years.

One of her colleagues, Sonia, was so devastated by the injustice that she shared a short video of John, now in his 70s, on social media, where she felt his efforts were not being appreciated.

The video showed him working at the warehouse on his last day as an employee.

“Today is my colleague’s last day. He worked for this company for 42 years earning minimum wage,” Sonia wrote along with the video.

“The company just gave him a barbecue and gave him a certificate. He takes the bus and Bart (train) to get here on time every day. He is over 70 years old.

“He didn’t want to retire because he loves working here. [He got] There is no bonus, just a BBQ and a certificate. Don’t be a slave to your job. Thank you John for your loyalty. ”

The video has since been deleted, but it has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and generated thousands of comments from internet users desperate to make John feel appreciated.

After Sonia set up a GoFundMe offering to give John “a little something for a better retirement,” many quickly took action.

During the fundraiser, she revealed that John is unable to drive due to a disability, but is always able to go to work “come rain or shine.”

He was “a very reliable person,” she added, revealing that it was difficult to convince him to take time off because he always wanted to work.

She said he was “one of the most talented and hard-working employees” at the company and his energy was “unparalleled.”

“He has no wife or children, but he has a nephew whom he loves dearly,” she wrote in the fundraiser.

“It would be nice to give him some companionship or something to help him understand that he is special and loved.”

Within days of the GoFundMe being set up, it had raised about $45,000 (approximately $28,350 USD).

Sonia said she is in the process of telling John about the huge response to his story and plans to print out the names and messages of his supporters.

The money raised far exceeded John’s retirement savings, she said.

Supporters around the world shared kind messages for John in their donation messages, saying they were inspired by his work ethic.

“Congratulations on your retirement, John! Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all of us,” one person said at the time of the donation.

“Congratulations on your retirement, John. You deserve so much more than this company has to offer. I wish you the best in life and the future,” said another.

“Dear John, your story really touched my heart. I hope you read all the comments from WellWish and know that your contribution to the world has been seen. You have that knowledge. I want you to be proud of your retirement, because you deserve it. I’m honored to be able to contribute to your retirement.”