On Saturday, workers at the Siemens factory in Cincinnati will launch a protest and informational picket to demand the multi-billion dollar company stop pushing for cuts to their healthcare plan that will place an immense burden on workers as part of tense negotiations for a new four-year union contract.These Siemens workers at the 125-year-old factory build large industrial electric motors and parts for industries like rail, oil, gas, chemical, paper, mining and power generation. IUE-CWA Local 765 is the union for these Siemens workers at the Cincinnati factory and is part of one of the largest labor unions for American manufacturing workers.This protest is part of a broader wave of worker activism across the country calling on giant corporations to protect and strengthen healthcare coverage and other essential pay and benefits for employees at a time when CEOs are seeking to maximize profits no matter what the cost.The protest will take place from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Saturday at Siemens in Cincinnati.Workers are expected to march outside of the factory chanting and holding protest signs. Siemens workers at the Cincinnati plant are slamming the company’s new healthcare plans that would force workers to face out-of-pocket expenses as high as $5,500 for individuals and $11,000 for families if they stay in-network. This is in stark contrast to the former policy, which offered 100% coverage with minimal copays.Siemens Cincinnati workers put their health at risk and made countless sacrifices to help keep the factory running during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many workers becoming infected (sometimes repeatedly) and multiple workers dying from the virus or suffering long-term health impacts. Other workers at the factory also experienced economic hardship from reduced hours, furloughs, or being fired from their jobs.Workers at the factory preserved their current healthcare plan by sacrificing wage increases over the last six years, with only a 2.75% increase, while the cost of living surged with recent inflation. Siemens’ decision to cut their healthcare is seen as not only unjust but also disregards the dedication and sacrifices of the workforce.A recent national survey found 37% of Americans lack enough money to cover a $400 emergency expense, up from 32% in 2021. This means that nearly 1 in 4 consumers would be forced to use credit, turn to family, sell assets, or get a loan to cover any major unexpected cost like a medical bill not covered due to company healthcare cuts.”Our fight extends beyond Siemens. It’s a collective stand to protect healthcare as a fundamental human right. We will not compromise the well-being of our workers. We demand quality healthcare for all, without exception,” Victor Henderson, President of IUE-CWA Local 765, explained.”As Siemens workers, we’ve dedicated ourselves to this company for years, working in physically demanding conditions. Many of us experience job-related ailments that require ongoing medical attention. Quality and affordable healthcare should not be a matter of negotiation; it’s a fundamental necessity for workers who put their bodies on the line day in and day out. We firmly believe that it’s the responsibility of the company to care for its workers, and we are here to make that message loud and clear,” Shaun Knight, Siemens Cincinnati Worker, expressed.A Siemens spokesperson made a statement regarding the employee pushback on the company’s healthcare policy.”It is our priority to continue to provide all our employees with available quality healthcare options. We will continue to provide a range of company supported healthcare plans that meet the individual needs of our employees.”Siemens has hope that their new proposal will conclude the discussions and protests.’The company respects employees’ rights to voice their opinions in relation to the union. We presented a new proposal to the local union on Sept. 19, and are still awaiting a response. We look forward to the union’s return to the negotiating table to advance and conclude these discussions. ‘