Protesting workers in MG, numbering 192, demonstrate while wearing black arm bands due to mounting pressure for a potential strike
Emergency workers at Samu 192 in Minas Gerais are protesting against delays and irregularities in their salary payments, lack of professional recognition, and ongoing difficulties in negotiating with federal and state governments to resolve these issues. The movement, led by paramedics, regulation, and nursing teams, threatens to escalate into a strike affecting about 93% of the state, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among these emergency medical responders.
The workers' demands include regular and timely payment of salaries, recognition as healthcare professionals, and effective negotiations with both federal and state government entities. They are also requesting the resumption of the vote on Bill 3104/2020 in the Chamber of Deputies, which proposes to include their function in the healthcare professionals' roster.
The union, Sindicato dos Trabalhadores da Saúde de Minas Gerais (Sindsaúde-MG), has been in negotiations with federal and state governments, participating in meetings with representatives of these entities, including a meeting with Minister Alexandre Padilha, where they delivered a letter outlining the service's needs.
The Ministry of Health has increased the funding for SAMU 192 services nationwide, with an over 30% increase in resources allocated to states and municipalities. In Minas Gerais specifically, the Ministry increased the resources allocated to SAMU 192 by 42% compared to 2022, from R$ 119.8 million to R$ 170 million per year. The government of Minas Gerais asserts that it pays at least 50% of the costs reported by the consortia, exceeding the minimum percentage established.
However, the union alleges a R$28 million yearly deficit in payments by the Ministry of Health, and the pending payment of the floor was released at the beginning of July due to the pressure of the movement. The Ministry of Health resumed the increase in funding for the SAMU 192 service nationwide after ten years without an adjustment in 2023.
The government of Minas Gerais claims to make payments to SAMU 192 in accordance with Consolidation Portaria 3/2012. The union has already requested a public hearing at the Legislative Assembly and is making alignments daily. The Ministry increased the resources allocated to SAMU 192 in Minas Gerais by 42% compared to 2022, from R$ 119.8 million to R$ 170 million per year.
The paramedics and other emergency workers are calling for regular and timely payment of salaries, recognition as healthcare professionals, and effective negotiations with both federal and state government entities to address the current inconsistencies and delays that have been causing financial and professional instability. If their demands are not met soon, vital healthcare services in Minas Gerais may be at risk of interruption.
- As part of their demands, the emergency workers are advocating for the implementation of workplace-wellness programs, focusing on the mental-health and overall health-and-wellness of emergency medical responders, citing the high stress and medical-conditions associated with their profession.
- In light of the ongoing struggles for recognition and financial stability, the union Sindicato dos Trabalhadores da Saúde de Minas Gerais (Sindsaúde-MG) is considering the use of CBD products as a potential solution to mitigate stress and improve mental-health among its members.
- The paramedics and nursing teams at Samu 192 in Minas Gerais, in their quest for regular and timely salary payments, are also advocating for the integration of science and evidence-based practices into their workplace-wellness initiatives, aiming to create a more supportive and health-focused environment for everyone.
