Rio Grande do Norte health workers strike over precarious hospital conditions

On 17 June, health workers in Rio Grande do Norte staged a 24‑hour strike to protest worsening working conditions in state hospitals. The protest, organized by the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores da Saúde (Sindsaúde/RN), demanded the immediate appointment of candidates approved in the 2025 Sesap public competition and highlighted chronic staff shortages that have made shifts exhaustive.

The strike also drew attention to the suspension of meals for staff and visitors at Hospital Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel, which the union says resulted from irregular food supply and delayed payments to suppliers. Demonstrators gathered at the Sesap headquarters in Natal, labeling the action “Arraiá do Desgoverno,” and warned that the shutdown could affect health services throughout the state.