CONTINUE?

Expanding the text here will generate a large amount of data for your browser to display

V. AIDS education in the workplace

AIDS education training seminar

The workplace is an important environment for promoting the health of all workers as well as for disseminating information and education about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Education in the workplace is particularly important since many people express fear about having contact with people who have HIV infection and AIDS. At work, these fears can affect workers' attitudes towards co-workers with AIDS or even towards workers suspected of being in "high-risk groups".

Co-workers may have serious concerns when they learn that a worker has AIDS or is infected with HIV. They may ask for absolute proof that AIDS cannot be transmitted casually. Fears about contamination may surface. Workers may think about requesting transfers, or not using the same telephones, drinking fountains or workplace equipment. Some workers may be convinced that they are at risk just by being near an infected co-worker. Unions must take action to fight prejudice or discrimination.

The best solution to these problems is a worker education programme to decrease fears and to make sure everyone has accurate information about AIDS. To be most effective, workplace educational programmes on HIV/AIDS should be developed cooperatively between management, workers and their representatives and the occupational health service, if there is one.

Discrimination

Unfortunately, workers with HIV or AIDS often face discrimination in the workplace. This can include loss of job, violations of confidentiality, unnecessary restrictions placed on infected workers, and being passed over for promotions, better work assignments, and other rights.

There are several tools that unions can use to fight discrimination, including:

· The contract: Even if there is no specific language on AIDS discrimination in the union contract, there may be general language prohibiting discrimination, or more specific language forbidding discrimination based on physical handicap, medical condition or sexual orientation.

· Community support: Building community support for a worker with HIV infection or AIDS can also help. Some unions have defended the rights of members with AIDS in this way.

· Laws: If no laws exist in your country to protect sick or disabled workers, your union may want to put pressure on government officials to develop such laws.