Society

He has been working for the company for 42 years: his boss betrayed him upon retirement and his colleagues launched a counterattack

John Barlett’s coworkers decided to launch a campaign to give him the dignified retirement he never received.

GoFoundMe

Update: Feb 1st, 2025 11:43 EST

John Bartlett, a U.S. worker in his 70s, spent more than four decades at the same logistics company, dutifully showing up day after day regardless of the weather or circumstances. However, when the time for his retirement finally arrived, what should have been a well-deserved break after years of hard work turned into a harsh blow of indifference from the company. As a farewell gesture, they offered him nothing more than a simple commemorative plaque and a barbecue.

Despite working 42 years in the warehouse for only the national minimum wage, the company did not acknowledge the true value of his dedication with a gesture that matched his years of sacrifice. Bartlett, visibly affected by the lack of recognition, humbly said, “I’ve always done my job as best as I could because I believed it was the right thing to do.”

A gesture of solidarity from his colleagues

This unjust treatment did not go unnoticed by his colleagues, who, outraged, decided to take action. It was Sonia, a coworker, who raised her voice. In a video shared on social media, she recounted Bartlett’s story and expressed her indignation. In the video, Sonia highlighted his tireless effort: “He takes the bus and the train every day to get here on time. He loves his job so much that he didn’t want to retire,” she said – words that quickly went viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of views.

Although Sonia’s video was removed shortly after its publication, the solidarity had already taken hold online. In response to widespread outrage, Sonia launched a campaign on GoFundMe with the aim of giving Bartlett a more dignified retirement — one that truly reflected his dedication. In the campaign description, she emphasized his unwavering commitment: “He would get to work, rain or shine, always on time, never failing. He is an exceptional person, even though he has no immediate family apart from a nephew whom he loves dearly.”

Over $130,000 raised

The campaign, which initially aimed to raise only a modest sum, exceeded all expectations by collecting more than $132,000 – an amount significantly higher than the retirement savings Bartlett had managed to accumulate over his lifetime. Moved by the overwhelming support, Bartlett became emotional: “I never thought something like this would happen to me. I am grateful that there are people who appreciate what I’ve done in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made this possible,” he said through tears.

The success of the campaign was a clear reflection of the empathy and recognition Bartlett never received from his employer, yet found in the global community. Donors from around the world not only made financial contributions but also sent messages filled with admiration. Sonia, touched by the campaign’s success, promised to pass along every name and message from the contributors. “I hope that when he reads everything people have written, he feels the affection we all have for him and knows how much we admire him,” she stated.

“It means more to me than I can express”
John Bartlett

John Bartlett’s story serves as a reminder of how often companies overlook the true value of their employees – those who have dedicated their lives to their success.

A barbecue and a plaque are hardly enough to honor those who have given so much. The real farewell is one that demonstrates genuine empathy and gratitude for an effort that too frequently goes unnoticed.

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