Work in the “center”of consumption: an analysis of work relations in a shopping center of Porto Alegre

Abstract

The restructuring of production and deregulation of the labor market are factors that cause degradation of the conditions and working arrangements and affect the working relations in all sectors of the economy. This article aims to identify the perceptions about work relations that have Commercial Workers who perform activities in a shopping center in Porto Alegre. We seek to understand the management practices in fields like wages, working hours, time off and work on Sundays. We use the approach of quantitative and qualitative research to interpret data from RAIS and the technique of content analysis to interpret the interviews with employees. Among the more general findings of the study we can say that: the strength of union representation is low; the journey is relaxed and stretched to the limit - the extra work without pay on Sundays -; the salary is considered unsatisfactory and, to be acceptable, depends on the commissions on sales, which requires a complete dedication of the worker. These factors negatively influence the shopworker’s perception about work and work relations.