Employment-Insurance Program implantation and workers’ health at automotive industry

ABSTRACT The aim of this article was to analyze the implementation of the Employment-Insurance Program (PSE) in relation to the workers’ health in the ABC automotive industry. The methodology included documentary research in collective labor agreements, legislation, union and corporate documents. In 2015, the PSE was launched by the government as a response to the economic crisis, allowing up to 30% reduction in working hours and wages. Despite questions from trade union groups and workers’ resistance at the automakers, most unionism supported the implementation of the Program. The survey results pointed to the PSE as part of a new cycle of expansion and productive transformations in the automobile industry, expanding and deepening the intensification of work as a way of generating worker wear. PSE participates in the business strategy to maintain more productive employment by selecting workers who will remain in employment and excluding ‘low performers’ and ‘compatible’ workers (with reduced work capacity). The inclusion of the Program in labor reform makes it a permanent alternative for use by companies. Therefore, it is a relevant theme for research and actions in collective health and worker’s health.