On the occasion of World Aids Day the Global Union representing workers in the textile, clothing and leather industries is urging its affiliates to take the lead in combating unfair discrimination at the workplace against workers who are HIV-positive or suspected of being so.
Says Neil Kearney, General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation: “Unions are of strategic importance as an entry point for tackling a disease which mainly affects the young working population, women and the socially vulnerable. Unions in these predominantly female sectors of industry are particularly well placed to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS at the workplace”
“In many countries, policies have not yet been developed to protect workers who are HIV-positive from discrimination and to develop policies to address HIV/AIDS. Unions therefore need to take the lead in creating awareness of the issues and negotiating collective bargaining clauses or workplace policies on HIV/AIDS.
Says Mr. Kearney: “A good example of such a policy comes from South Africa, where ITGLWF affiliate the South African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) has recently signed a Code of Good Practice with the main manufacturers’ associations.
The code of practice, which has now been extended to apply to all textile and clothing factories in the country, requires employers in conjunction with key stakeholders to develop a workplace policy on HIV/AIDS. The goals of the Code of Practice are to eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace based on HIV status and to promote appropriate and effective ways of managing HIV in the workplace.
“There are good reasons for the industry to devote attention to fighting AIDS”, says Mr. Kearney. “The world of work has been affected by increased expenditure on medical and welfare expenses, declining productivity due to high absenteeism, the loss of experienced or skilled workers, as well as low morale. Hardly the easiest way to run an internationally competitive industry in today’s markets !”
The ITGLWF is encouraging its affiliates to mark World Aids Day by engaging in workplace events or advocacy focused on HIV/AIDS.
