To be a public worker. Meanings of work, morality and collective actions of public health workers

Abstract

The self-classification systems enunciated by Neuquén Provincial Hospital Dr. Eduardo Castro Rendón’s workers are multiple and operate in several contexts. They work as categories that define themselves and the others. From a qualitative methodological strategy based on participant observation and interviews, this article examines how the “public worker” category performs in daily work and in strikes. The meanings of work are very important to understand the action logic, because they define a moral and professional workers community that opposes the 'officials' in provincial state structures. In addition, it allows showing the logic in disputes that occur in health policies management process in Neuquén