Rinor Saliaj has been a member of Ciclat Trasporti Ambiente since 2011. Born in Albania, he arrived in Italy in 1995: “First I was in Puglia, then in Abruzzo: I worked in agriculture, in warehouses, I worked as a bricklayer… whatever came my way. Then I moved to Ravenna and started working as a driver for Ciclat Trasporti Ambiente. I traveled a lot because I was looking for a place where I could feel good; I found it here.”

How long have you been working with Ciclat Trasporti Ambiente?
Since 2002. My brother works here too, I feel at home, like family. I became a member in 2011: for me, it was a great personal satisfaction and an increase in responsibility. I felt the trust and appreciation of the cooperative, towards me and towards my work over all these years.

What is your role?
I am a driver; I drive a tipper truck.

What is a typical day like for you?
It depends. We almost always have daily departures from Ravenna; we leave in the morning and go to the unloading sites: Tuscany, Romagna, Northern Italy. We unload and reload, then we return: usually, we are home by evening. This way, I have also been able to enjoy my family, my two children. Today they are grown up; my daughter is 25 and studying medicine, my son is 20 and is a mechanic.

How has the work changed in recent years?
It has slowed down a bit, but not just here, throughout Italy. I think it depends on many factors: the wars, the pandemic. But the cooperative is solid; we have always worked.

What do you expect for the future?
The future… If the wars end, humanity moves forward; otherwise, it doesn’t. I know war; I experienced it a bit in Albania in the 90s. A civil war, between brothers. When there is war, people always suffer, yet there are those who still want to wage it.

What was it like starting a new life in Italy?
It was tough at the beginning; all migrants in a new country have to start from scratch. Life changes suddenly; in Albania, I was studying food technology. Then, little by little, you integrate into society, you make sacrifices, and you move forward. The Italian people are welcoming, especially in the South but also in Romagna. The people of Romagna are good people. And today, I am Italian too.

When did you obtain citizenship?
15 years ago. I wanted it and sought it out; in my opinion, your home is where you live, where you feel good. At the beginning, I felt racism; there is a bit of ignorance. The same things happen in my country with other migrants: there is distrust toward those you don’t know. I have always worked honestly and I have fared well. But gradually, people get to know you and appreciate you.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Eat and drink! My wife is a great cook; she made me gain weight (laughs). Albanian cuisine is somewhat similar to that of Romagna; they are both Mediterranean. Anyway, Italy has the best cuisine in the world; if you travel a bit, you realize it: in Germany, they only have potatoes and bratwurst! I like traveling when I can. Northern Albania is my favorite place, but all of Italy is beautiful. I would like to go to Croatia or Turkey or Spain… why not, we’ll see.