S. Mohammad Afsar Senior Technical Specialist ILO/AIDS, Geneva National Workplace Policies on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work: principles, process and the role of trade unions

An ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work, developed in 2001 Guidelines for development of workplace policy and programmes

HIV/AIDS - A workplace issue pBecause HIV/AIDS affects the workforce and the enterprise:  loss of income & benefits  loss of skills and experience  falling productivity  reduced profit & investment pBecause the workplace can help limit the spread and mitigate the impact of the epidemic:  protect job security and rights  ensure social protection  offer care support & treatment  help prevention through education and peer support

The ILO Code  Encourages social dialogue (consultation and collaboration between governments, employers and workers)  Sets out key principles to guide working terms and conditions/HRD policies  Highlights the responsibilities of governments, workers and employers organizations.

Key principles of the ILO Code Non-discrimination Confidentiality The right to programmes of prevention and Care Gender equality No screening No dismissal

 HIV response is recognized as contributing to the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms and gender equality for all.  HIV and AIDS is a workplace issue and the workplace should be included as an essential element of the HIV response  Non discrimination  Prévention is a fundamental priority  Access to prevention, treatment, care and support services  Workers’ participation in the response at all levels  Prevent risk of occupational transmission of HIV and related illness such as TB  privacy and confidentiality  No worker should be required to undertake an HIV test or disclose their status  Measures to address HIV and AIDS in WOW should be part of national developmental policies and programmes including those related to labour, social protection and health  Protection of workers in occupations that are particularly exposed to the risk of HIV transmission General principles HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200)

 A national tripartite mechanism should exist or be established for the development and monitoring of the national policy on HIV and AIDS and the world of work  Most representative organizations of employers and workers should participate equally in the mechanism and the views of PLHIV and experts should be considered  Members should collect detailed information and statistics and conduct research on developments at national and sectoral levels on HIV and AIDS and the world of work  Reporting under article 19 of the ILO Constitution. Follow-Up HIV and AIDS Recommendation, 2010 (No. 200)

Role of unions Advocacy within their cadres/affiliates Advocacy for development of National Policy HIV and AIDS and the world of work Strengthening their capacity to respond to HIV and AIDS Active participation in consultations for development and implementation of policy and programmes in collaboration with government and employers Participation in committees such as Country Coordination Mechanism/National AIDS councils Take up HIV programmes in formal and informal economy through sectoral unions.