“When we heard controversy, we felt compelled to respond to what for us are just falsehoods. After all, if one is not happy in the workplace, why does he stay there for years without leaving? ".
Word of Laura Siuzzu , 39-year-old of Sardinian origin, for almost three years the domestic worker of Gianluca Vacchi , the wealthy entrepreneur and social media star, who would have been sued in court by one of his ex-maids who allegedly complained about the "non-payment of overtime" and other "frictions".
Laura, together with the other members of the team that takes care of Vacchi's residences, decided to deny these accusations , putting her face on them. And, in a video that went viral , he told what it's like to work for such a prominent character.
“It is an experience - he explains to L'Unione Sarda - that makes you proud . To think that at the beginning I didn't even know who Gianluca Vacchi was ... ”.
What do you mean?
"I started working for him at the beginning of 2020. My father is from Gallura, I have my residence in Calangianus, but my mother is from Ivrea. And at that time I was in Piedmont looking for a job. A Sardinian friend who was already working with he said to me: 'A place in Gianluca Vacchi's staff has become available'. And I fell from the clouds: 'Who is it?', I asked him. Then I inquired and then I understood who it was .. . ".
How did it go in the beginning?
"He needed a house in Sardinia. I tried the test and I went well. And I too - fundamental and not obvious - I found myself well, with him and with the other colleagues. And so here I am ...".
Where where?
"Now I'm in Bologna. But where he goes we go, except when he's in the US".
How many are you?
"There are eight of us, but then there are other guys who alternate for various tasks".
International staff?
"There are Italians, Filipinos and even a Venezuelan".
How do you get to work for such famous people?
"Well, in addition to the opportunities that arise, you must also have a lot of experience and professionalism. I have, since I started working when I was a little girl".
In the tourism sector?
"Yes. I was rejected and my mother sent me to be a waitress in a hotel. She wanted me to understand that the pen weighs less than the hoe, as they say. But I liked the hoe instead. And so I continued to work. I tidied up the rooms in tourist facilities. Over the years, however, I learned to do everything, making my bones and acquiring more and more experience ".
What is your job in Vacchi's staff?
"I'm the laundry clerk. I wash and iron. But here we have a rule: everyone must know how to do everything. To be interchangeable".
Is it true that after a few months she was fired?
"It's true. But the Doctor didn't know anything. It was a consequence of the interruption of the working relationship with the maid who raised the case these days. Then when the Doctor stopped seeing me at work he inquired as to why, she saw that there was no reason to interrupt the relationship and I was rehired ”.
What did he feel?
"I cried with joy".
What kind of relationship do you employees have with the boss?
"He knows us, one by one. He knows our personal stories, our peculiarities. For him I am not just the laundry clerk. I'm Laura, who is almost 40 years old and a daughter. He knows I have my personality, my strengths and weaknesses. And this applies to all his staff ".
How did you experience the media hype of these days?
"I wonder why it happened just when your documentary is coming out. A case? Well ...".
Why did you shoot the video?
"To deny falsehoods. It almost seems that if we bring him a little cold coffee he'll pull the cup after us and things like that. But when ever! He may sometimes answer abruptly, because at that moment he is nervous. But nothing that transcends. education or that it does not happen to anyone. And then, promptly, he apologizes ".
Does the 'Doctor' know about the video you made? How did he take it?
“He's gone now, so I don't know how he took it. But knowing him I hope you enjoyed it. He is a special person, who knows how to appreciate sincerity and gratitude ".
What is it like to work in such a context?
"As I said, we are a big family. We are together all year round, at Christmas, Easter, winter and summer. Together we travel, work together and have fun together".
Are you referring to the famous videos on TikTok?
"Also. Every now and then the Doctor comes and asks us: 'Do you want to make a video with me?'. And then the fun begins. You only see the final result. But it always takes a long time and more you scold ... I'm always jokes and laughter! ".
The controversy over the lack of personnel in tourism: how do you see it? Is it the fault of too low wages or citizenship income?
"When I started there was no citizenship income. But based on my experience I can say that when I worked directly for hotels I always had fair compensation commensurate with the hours. The situation is different when you go to an agency that acts as an intermediary ".
So the advice is ...
"Try to get hired directly by the structures, without intermediaries. If you want to do it, you will have fewer problems".