Abstract
Objective:
to present the trade unionists' conceptions regarding the relationship between work and mental illness, as well as some of their actions, that can indicate directions for union's movement approaches that favor the confrontation of work-related mental health.
Method:
reflective in-depth interviews were conducted with five union leaders who represent different professional categories from the state of São Paulo which are historically committed to workers' health.
Results:
among the interviewed unionists the predominant conception is that work-related disease has multifactorial causes. They consider work organization, manufacturing processes, labor relations and workplace environmental conditions as some of the factors that can cause workers' mental disorders.
Discussion:
the participants indicated - as possible strategies to confront work-related mental disorders - the alliance of workers and unions, the reestablishment of solidarity bonds, higher state investments, and consciousness-raising of the whole society regarding the relationship between work and mental health.
Keywords:
mental health; work; trade unions