Implementation of the Brazilian National Health System permanent negotiating tables in state and municipal health secretariats

This article aimed to evaluate the implementation status of the permanent negotiating tables and to identify the obstacles and the advances that have elapsed from the negotiation processes in the Brazilian states and cities. It was a descriptive and exploratory study of national scope. The data collection took place in 2012 and 2013, through a survey of 519 health managers and focus groups with 49 managers and 11 members of the National Permanent Negotiating Table. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and by content analysis. We identified 132 negotiating tables, of which only 87 are in operation. The main reasons for not deploying the tables are the lack of technical advice and the use of other tools for negotiating labor. The main changes in work relationships because of the negotiating tables were the holding of public tenders and selective processes, work valuation policies and the implementation of careers and salary plans. We concluded that despite the potential of the tables as negotiating devices, their implementation and full operation face great challenges.