Resumen

VARGAS GONZALEZ, Vilma. Flexibilizing Mechanisms in Labor Relations at Hospitals in Maracaibo. Revista Venezolana de Gerencia [online]. 2007, vol.12, n.38, pp.244-261. ISSN 1315-9984.

Abstract The objective of this work is to describe flexibilizing mechanisms for labor relations used at hospitals in Maracaibo. In the hospitals studied, a series of devices have been inserted that focus on a strategy for modifying labor relations, moving toward flexible human resource management. Implementing these mechanisms affects labor costs and hospital productivity. Research was carried out in four hospitals in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela, corresponding to levels III and IV, representing different administrative models. Analysis of the documentary information obtained from the aforementioned hospitals was carried out along with a theoretical review of reflections on flexibilization and the precariousness of labor relations expressed by various authors including: Sotelo (2003, 1999), Castells (1999), Antunes (1997) and Coller (1997). Results obtained indicated that an increase in productivity and a reduction of costs required effort to adapt the labor management model in search of those scenarios. Based on this study, conclusions are that in these hospitals, a search for efficiency in hospital service production exists and it recurs to various types of flexibilization: numerical, financial or salarial, regarding time and external. A series of mechanisms that flexibilize labor relations have been put into practice, affecting the interests of health workers

Palabras clave : Labor relation; labor costs; hospital productivity; flexibilizing mechanisms; flexible management.