Conflict mediation in SUS as a transformative political action

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze mediation processes in labor disputes, within the public institution and manager of the Unified Health System of Belo Horizonte – Municipal Health Department of Belo Horizonte (SMSA-SUS-BH) and conducted by the Human Resources and Health Education Office (GGTE) pertaining to the institution itself from 2012 to 2015. The analysis was addressed to the processes carried out in four working collectives, being three health centers and one activity management of the SMSA. Documentary research was used as methodology, analyzed as for two different frameworks: narrative analysis from the perspective of the Circular Narrative mediation and clinical work. Results showed that mediation was successful in two units and partly successful in a third one. In the fourth unit, mediation did not restore the dialogue between leadership and subordinates making possible to understand what factors influenced the outcome. The determinants of the analyzed conflicts made part of the four analyzed units. Results showed that, even in hierarchical environments, mediation practice could be successfully employed.