A HEALTHY WORKPLACE

Guckenheimer employees face the same issues that other workers in low-wage service jobs bace. But at places like Genentech, Broadcom, Applied Materials and other high-tech and biotechnology companies, difficulty with access to health care stands out.

Like many workplaces, the cafe workers are entitled to a certain number of paid sick days. But often cafe workers face resistance from their managers when they try to use them. Some employees have even called in sick and obtained a doctor's note but still have their pay docked. Some managers have even been known to cancel their workers' doctors' appointments.

While Guckenheimer, the café contractor, does in fact offer its employees health insurance, it is too expensive for some employees who live in the pricey areas in and around San Francisco. Some cannot afford Guckenheimer's plan and as a result only go see a doctor or take their children to one in an emergency. Others have had chronic illness and conditions go untreated.

In addition, kitchens can be dangerous places to work. Cafe workers have sustained burns, cuts, and strains. While all this seems unavoidable, Guckenheimer managers have discouraged their employees from seeking proper medical attention for injuries that happen on the job.

Contracted food srvice workers at top companies deserve better.

Milarose Oriel: Trying to get needed medical care

Genentech, May 2006

I have been working as a Guckenheimer cashier since 2005. When I got back from sick leave recently, many Genentech employees asked after my health. I missed them when I was sick.  I like working at the Genentech cafe, but our managers don't care about our health. 

I had a stroke in 2001. This year, I asked for time off to see my doctor to get my blood pressure medicine refilled. But it's like Guckenheimer doesn't want me to see a doctor. First, my manager kept telling me to postpone my appointment, then I had to beg her to give me some time off. My doctor actually called me because he was worried.

When I found out I needed surgery on my foot, one of the managers told me to cancel it.  I had to postpone it for more than six months. When I was seeing doctors to prepare for the surgery, my managers gave me a hard time about every little detail, even calling my doctor's office to ask questions.

I got burned one morning in late January. Immediately, I reported the burn to the manager. I asked her to fill out an accident report, but she didn't. She gave me ointment and told me to go back to work.  The next day I woke up with a fever and the burn was very painful. I asked her again to report it and she still said no.

And on top of all of this I don't use the Guckenheimer medical insurance. It is very expensive and I could not figure out how to find a doctor. When I asked about it, the Guckenheimer management would not help me out. So instead I use the county's temporary medical insurance.

I'm 53 years old.  I've already had one stroke.  I need to take care of myself.  I want to live to see my granddaughter grow up. The way Guckenheimer treats me and my health is disrespectful.

I'm standing up for respect on the job.  That's why I want a union.

Sonia Moreno:
No access to health care

Genentech, June 2006

I have three daughters. When one of them gets sick, I need to take time off to take her to the doctor. My managers always give me a hard time when I use my sick days. Even when I bring in a doctor’s note, I do not always get paid for my sick days.

Luis Davila: Docked pay for seeing a doctor

Genentech, June 2006

Earlier this year, I got sick with an earache. I needed to see a doctor right away. When I tried to take time off to go to the doctor’s appointment, my manager told me I had to give her advanced notice. When I told her the earache just started, she said I was a problem worker. She wanted me to come to work when I was sick. After I went to the doctor, I showed her a note to prove that I went, but she still docked my pay.

Rosario Ramirez: No health insurance
Genentech, October 2006

I am 55 years old and I don’t have health insurance. Guckenheimer’s health insurance is too expensive, and I only make $10 an hour. But I cannot ask for government assistance because I make too much money to qualify. I have diabetes and I cannot take any medicine for it because I can’t afford it. To survive, I avoid certain foods. But it is an illness that gets you over the long term. For instance, my eyesight is fading. On top of that, I have high blood pressure.

Mireya Villalobos: Struggling with family health care
Broadcom, October 2006

I do my best to piece together healthcare for my family. I use the Guckenheimer insurance for myself. My three children are on Healthy Families. But my husband has no insurance at all. I know we all need to have health insurance. I’m still paying off an $18,000 debt from the maternity hospital.