In 2018, the issue of the “silent Enasarco” made headlines, though the term itself remains somewhat elusive. It refers to almost 700,000 Italian sales agents who, over the years, have paid into the National Social Security Fund for Commerce Agents (Enasarco), only to find that they are denied pensions or refunds. Despite contributing an estimated €9.2 billion, these workers have been left with nothing in return, due to constant changes in regulations. After years of legal and political struggle, it seems that a resolution may finally be in sight.
Enasarco, founded in 1938 and privatized in 1994, administers pension funds for self-employed commercial agents. These professionals promote or sell products on behalf of multiple companies in specific geographic areas. In addition to contributions paid to the national INPS pension fund, agents are also required to pay into Enasarco for supplementary retirement benefits. However, since the pension system’s structure changed multiple times, agents found themselves facing stricter rules, including a shift in the eligibility period from 15 to 20 years of contributions, without adequate communication.
One of the most prominent cases in this ongoing struggle is Francesco Briganti, a 72-year-old agent who has paid approximately €49,000 in contributions over 16 years. Briganti and many others were shocked to learn that their contributions, initially deemed sufficient for a minimum pension, were now insufficient due to a new 20-year requirement. This change came too late for many, who were left unable to claim pensions or get any of their paid contributions refunded.
Despite numerous lawsuits challenging Enasarco’s actions, courts have sided with the organization, confirming that as a private foundation, Enasarco has the right to amend its internal rules without external interference. While the issue of “silent contributors” remains unresolved, the situation has sparked protests, including a hunger strike by Briganti in 2018, which led to some media attention. His efforts have highlighted the distress and frustration felt by thousands of agents who now face economic hardship and uncertain futures.
On October 8, 2024, the Italian Parliament took action, passing a resolution aimed at addressing the plight of these workers. The proposed solution, however, remains unclear. Lawmakers are considering potential financial compensation or partial refunds, but the scale of the problem means that any solution could have significant financial implications for the Enasarco foundation. As this issue continues to unfold, both the government and the institution face pressure to find a fair resolution that honors the contributions of these workers while maintaining the sustainability of the system.
