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HIV/AIDS and Workplace

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'Trade unionists can be at the heart of the fight against HIV/AIDS and make a distinctive contribution to combating stigma and discrimination at workplace.'

Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, said that trade unionists could be at the heart of the fight against the pandemic and that they could make a distinctive contribution to combating stigma and discrimination at workplace, speaking at a reception held for the launch of two workplace initiatives on HIV/AIDS in Congress House on the occasion of the World AIDS Day 1st December 2008. The Minister commended the two initiatives funded by the Bill Morris Testimonial Fund in partnership with TUC Aid and added that the UK Government would provide resources for the fight against HIV/AIDS at global level despite the financial crisis, that access to treatment was crucial to the success of the programmes and that a change in attitude and behaviour was a vital part of an effective strategy. He pointed out that strengthening health systems in developing countries was a high priority in the UK strategy on HIV/AIDS and that the Government would adhere to its commitment to increase the official development assistance to 0.7% of GNI. Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, in his welcome address, referred to the various initiatives by the TUC to combat stigma and discrimination associated with the disease and to the trade union contribution to the development of policies at workplace.

Ivan Lewis speaking at the Reception


Diana Holland, Deputy General Secretary, Unite, referring to this year's theme on World AIDS Day, reminded the gathering that it was the trade union leadership which mattered most at workplace and that trade unions had a pivotal role to play in fighting the spectre of stigma and discrimination and that there was evidence of higher incidence of HIV/AIDS among women which caused serious concern. She added that training and education programmes would be an integral part of the two workplace initiatives to be implemented in Ghana and Uganda in collaboration with trade union partners in the two countries.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust (NAT) told the gathering that in the UK, the highest number of infections in a single year had occurred last year, bringing the number of people living with HIV/AIDS to about 80,000, that research by NAT had pointed to a positive change in attitude, as 70% of people had said that they had no fear of working with colleagues with HIV/AIDS. She stressed that the people living with the disease deserved respect and that their human rights should be protected at workplace and elsewhere.

Lord Bill Morris of Handsworth, spoke of the lost generation due to HIV/AIDS in Africa and the consequent economic and social impact on the already impoverished communities and said that two Projects funded by the Bill Morris Testimonial Fund for HIV/AIDS in Africa were designed for the transfer of knowledge about the pandemic through a comprehensive programme of training and education focused on prevention, treatment, care and support and on elimination of stigma and discrimination and hoped that similar initiatives would pave the way to making the pandemic 'history.' The messages from the Timber and Woodworkers Union (TWU) and the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) were also read at the reception.

TUC Aid, in partnership with the Bill Morris Testimonial Fund for HIV/AIDS in Africa, will implement the Projects in collaboration with the Timber and Woodworkers' Union in Ghana and the National Organisation of Trade Unions in Uganda in 2009-10. The two initiatives, estimated to cost some £80,000, will raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace among trade union leaders, shop stewards and rank and file members and equip union officials with the knowledge and skills necessary for collective bargaining on the rights and entitlements of workers affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS through a programme of training and education activities. The outreach programmes will contribute to the prevention of the spread of the disease through the dissemination of information and advice on risks of infection, VCT and access to treatment, care and support for people living with the disease.

Message from Mr Lelymoi Ongaba, General Secretary, of the National Organisation of Trade Unions in Uganda

Dear Friends

For more than two decades, the global AIDS pandemic has taken a deadly toll. In the 25 years since it was first diagnosed, AIDS has claimed more than 25 million lives-and some 40 million people are now living with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS has ceased to be a mere medical or health crisis. It has turned into a major humanitarian and development crisis, threatening to reverse many development gains.

This daunting problem requires a multi-pronged approach and no single stakeholder can achieve much on their own. A workplace programme that focuses on HIV/AIDS could make a difference to the individual worker and company. A relatively healthy workforce is necessary for productivity and profitability. The formulation of HIV/AIDS policies and inclusion of such policies in Collective Bargaining Agreements helps to eliminate discrimination and stigmatisation of persons infected with the disease.

The National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) is the largest Labour Federation in Uganda. NOTU was among the first African Trade Union National Centres to join the struggle in the fight against HIV/AIDS at the workplace.

With the opportunity accorded us by the Bill Morris Testimonial Fund, we have an unprecedented opportunity to learn from experience and improve strategies to yield more significant and sustainable results that could truly turn the tide against the AIDS pandemic at the workplace.

The National Organisation of Trade unions expresses gratitude for the invaluable financial assistance provided by the Bill Morris testimonial fund on HIV/AIDS in Africa through the Trades Union Congress in Britain.

Message from Mr Joshua Ansah, General Secretary, Timber and Woodworkers' Union in Ghana, on the launch of the HIV/AIDS Workplace Initiative

Dear Friends

The Timber and Woodworkers Union of Ghana Trades Union Congress believes that the impact of the HIV /AIDS pandemic can be fought and defeated with the power of our ideas and the force of our will. The commitment as well as our organizing skills will empower the union to overcome the challenges that HIV / AIDS has laid before the working people including those in the timber industry.

The damaging effects of HIV /AIDS are felt in all areas of human activity. So responding successfully to the epidemic requires action from the widest possible range of participants.

The workplace is well recognized as a key location for informing people about how to protect themselves and for providing care and support and combat discrimination and stigma associated with the disease.

The Project funded by the Bill Morris Testimonial Fund on HIV / AIDS in Africa to be implemented in collaboration with the Timber and Woodworkers Union of Ghana is indeed a significant step in the right direction.

I take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude for this timely and commendable initiative.

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