A public hearing convened on Tuesday the 19th in the House of Representatives addressed the challenges surrounding the retired health plan of Itaú, bringing together trade union representatives, parliamentarians, and advocates for the working class. Federal deputy Erika Kokay (PT-DF) spearheaded the initiative, emphasizing that supplementary health is a crucial right, notably for those who have dedicated decades to the financial sector.

Growing discontent among retirees is fueling the mobilization, as they voice concerns over escalating costs associated with maintaining their health plan. Many retirees face monthly fees exceeding R $ 2,000 per person, or over R $ 4,000 for couples, after the bank’s partial contribution period outlined in the Collective Labor Agreement (CCT) concludes.These conditions render the benefit unsustainable for a significant portion of retirees.

Deputy erika Kokay stated that the fight for the health plan of Itaú retirees is a matter of social justice. “The right to health cannot be denied or precarious in the name of profit. It is necessary to guarantee decent conditions for those who dedicated their lives to work and now needs protection,” she said.

Jair Alves,leader of Contraf-Cut,emphasized the urgency for a resolution. “We are talking about thousands of retirees who helped build Itaú and are now being penalized with abusive costs in the health plan. It is unacceptable that the bank fully transfer this account to those who have already fulfilled its part. The trade union movement will continue to ensure that this right is respected,” said Alves.

São Paulo state deputy, Luiz cláudio Marcolino (PT-SP), highlighted the importance of the retired bankers’ struggle as part of a broader resistance against the erosion of labor and social security rights.

The hearing included a delegation of approximately 30 bankers from São Paulo, along with representatives from various financial sector workers’ federations across Brazil.

Caroline Heidner, Anapar’s supplementary health director, contributed to the discussion by sharing insights from supplementary pension associations and underscoring the need for equitable regulation of retirees’ health plans.

Jair Alves stressed the importance of collaboration between the trade union movement and parliamentarians. “This hearing shows that we need,together with parliamentarians,to guide the discussion of Law 9.656/98 in the supervisory bodies and the National Health Agency (ANS),ensuring that retirees have their rights fairly and balanced,” he stated.

The escalating costs of healthcare are placing a significant burden on retirees, potentially limiting their access to essential medical services. The hearing addressed concerns about the financial strain on Itaú retirees due to rising health plan costs.