Work and health in the trade union movement: the multidisciplinary experience of the Occupational Health Secretariat of SINDISPREV-RS

Abstract

This article is a result of the interdisciplinary work experience of the Occupational Health Secretariat, developed along with the Health, Labor and Social Security Workers’ Union of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SINDISPREV-RS). It aims to present the working methodology developed as well as its different approaches used by the technical team composed of social worker and psychologist, focusing on occupational health. The actions emerged from the demands of public workers, who seek the service with issues related to health and work. The reality brought to the union presents health conditions worsening, thus indicating the lack of transparency and actions aimed at protecting these workers’ health. The case report demonstrates the important role and responsibility of the union and shows, as a result, the contribution to the strengthening of the union movement and its category, which operates public policies in Brazil. Therefore, it is expected to give visibility to the serious problems presented and greater attention to actions taken by managers to promote and protect the health of those who operate public policies, in the fight against the dismantling of public policies.