Caixa employees protest against tuition fee increases and advocate for improvements to the Caixa health plan.

247 - Employees of Caixa Econômica Federal held the National Day of Struggle in Defense of Saúde Caixa this Tuesday (17). The mobilization took place in bank units throughout the country, including capitals and inland cities, with the participation of active workers, retirees and pensioners. 

The event was called by the National Federation of Caixa Employees' Associations (Fenae) and the National Confederation of Workers in the Financial Sector (Contraf/CUT), with the support of labor unions and representative entities.

The main demand is for maintaining the zero increase in health plan monthly fees and improving its service and coverage. The organizations criticize the cost-sharing policy imposed by the bank's management, with a 6,5% cap and age-based charges, which, according to the organizers, compromises the sustainability of the plan's solidarity model.

Open letter demands commitment from bank management.

During the activities, an open letter entitled "Those who care for Brazil deserve to be cared for" was read in several units. The text highlights the role of Caixa employees in the execution of public policies and defends that the health plan, provided for in the Collective Bargaining Agreement since 2004, be maintained as a right of the workers. The letter recalls the employees' actions during the pandemic and affirms that maintaining a plan with affordable costs is the company's responsibility.

The event in Brasilia was attended by union leaders.

At the 515 South branch in Brasília, leaders from Fenae and the Brasília Bank Workers Union were present. Fenae's president, Sergio Takemoto, declared: “On this National Day of Struggle, the participation of Caixa employees throughout the country in defending Saúde Caixa is fundamental. Our health plan is under attack, and we need to guarantee dignified healthcare for all, preserving our rights. We cannot allow the destruction of a historic achievement.”

Also participating in the event were the Director of Social Policies at Fenae, Rachel Weber, and the president of the Brasília Bank Workers Union, Eduardo Araújo de Souza. According to Rachel, "the national mobilization of employees focuses on defending Saúde Caixa, since the plan is being seriously threatened, with the demand for a zero readjustment being the main issue to be achieved." For Eduardo Araújo, "the demonstrations in the units and the conversations with colleagues about the situation of the health plan aim to demand a zero readjustment in monthly fees, in contrast to the model that Caixa's management is trying to impose, with a 6,5% ceiling and charges based on age group."

At the Taguatinga Centro branch, also in the Federal District, the open letter was read and a dialogue was held with employees. The event was attended by Antonio Abdan Teixeira Silva, Finance Secretary of the Brasília Bank Workers Union and member of the Employees' Executive Committee (CEE/Caixa).

Actions in various states

There were mobilizations at Caixa branches in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Bahia, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and other states. The actions included the distribution of informational material, such as the booklet "We Want Health, Caixa!", which explains how the plan works, the impacts of the 6,5% cap, and the risks to its maintenance.

In some branches, opening was delayed as a form of protest, and demonstrations on social media accompanied the in-person mobilization.