After years of struggle, janitors win health care, dental, and vision plan for kids

Hiliana Raty came to the United States from Mexico 20 years ago. For the last 11 years, she has worked as a janitor for ABM at the Lloyd Center Tower. Hiliana has six children: Enrique (19), Marissa (17), Brian (15), Anna (5), Jenny (3), and Bonnie (1½).
 
Over two years ago, Hiliana’s family was denied coverage under the Oregon Health Plan because her income was too high. Suddenly, Hiliana had to pay enormous medical bills. Her daughter Jenny was born with Down Syndrome. At the time Hiliana’s children were kicked off the Oregon Health Plan, Jenny was receiving special treatment for heart problems. Hiliana was forced to stop taking Jenny to the doctor and skipped the treatment for the last two years.

“When our last contract negotiations started, I was very optimistic and knew that with the effort of all my co-workers we could win health care for our children. I became very active with our union during the contract campaign. I was part of the communication team, and helped organize meetings with my co-workers.”

Last summer, janitors finally won  health care for children. Hiliana is enjoying her new benefits. She enrolled all her children for medical, vision, and dental coverage. Her daughter Jenny is finally able to see her doctor again. Her condition is stable and she is waiting to be scheduled for heart surgery next year. 

The new dental plan, which covers janitors and their children, has better benefits than the old plan, and, for the first time, covers orthodontic work for children. The  new vision benefit covers glasses and contact lenses for the first time.

Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez, who was on the bargaining team, is relieved that her kids finally have comprehensive coverage. “It was great to be able to take my kids in for their physicals when we first got their health insurance. Now my daughter keeps asking me when we are going to the eye doctor because she thinks she needs glasses.”