IMPLEMENTING THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON HIV/AIDS AND THE WORLD OF WORK: THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS By Ariel B. Castro Trade Union Congress of the Philippines

The Changing World of Work Globalization and Trade Liberalization Changing modes of production Increase in precarious forms of employment Increasing feminization of the labor force Growth of the Informal Sector

TRANSFORMING THE STRUGGLE UNITY SOLIDARITY FREEDOM DEMOCRACY

EVOLVING ROLES Balance between broader socio-politicaql role and daily needs of workers Broad based campaigns beyond workplace struggles

EXPANDING PRESENCE Organizing the unorganized Collective Bargaining Coalition Building

RE-INVENTING STRATEGIES New services Informal sector Information technology Promotion of social development programs

AIDS as a Trade Union Issue Incidence is highest in persons who are in their most productive years Imminent danger of discrimination for workers with HIV/AIDS Workers have the right to know how to protect themselves

AIDS as a Trade Union Issue As trade unions, it is our vital role to educate workers and provide necessary services on HIV/AIDS One area where unions can collaborate with employers The workplace are effective venues for HIV/AIDS preventive programs

AIDS as a Trade Union Issue Unions have a history of providing comprehensive social, legal, recreational and medical support and services Major threat to Women and Workers’ Rights Need to raise awareness among workers and trade unions especially since the Asia Pacific region has the potential of overtaking Africa in the number of infected persons.

THE TUCP HIV/AIDS PROGRAM Beginnings in 1991, as part of Family Welfare Program Seminars Workshops Telephone Inquiries

THE TUCP HIV/AIDS PROGRAM Integrated in the union’s Reproductive Health Program (1995) Training of union Medical Personnel Sensitivity programs Gender Sexuality Started union Peer Education Program Information Materials

THE TUCP HIV/AIDS PROGRAM Trade Union Policy on Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS and STDs (1998) Prevention and Control Protection of Workers’ Rights and dignity of persons living with HIV/AIDS Responsibility of Workers Establishment of TUCP Core Group on HIV/AIDS Union Representative in the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC)

THE TUCP HIV/AIDS PROGRAM Enhancing Peer Education Program (2000) Peer Education Assembly and Continuing Education (PEACE) Awareness Courses conducted by Peer Educators Union service for STI detection, treatment and management

Basic Information on RTIs and HIV/AIDS Responsible Sexual Behavior Sex/Gender Roles and Issues Laws and Policies on HIV/AIDS and Services

THE TUCP HIV/AIDS PROGRAM Negotiated for provisions in CBAs Financial assistance for workers’ education and training “…..Company and Union shall jointly sponsor and conduct seminars on……RTI, HIV/AIDS…etc.. “….Shall formulate a policy and program on ….HIV/AIDS…” Jollibee Foods Corp and Kilusan sa Jollibee ( )

Adopted by TUCP in 2001 Convention Recommended: 1) Review the impact of 1998 Policy 2) Develop IEC and Dissemination Plan on the Code 3) Conduct Preventive Education Programs 4) Special Programs for Young Workers

Success Factors Support from the labor leaders Use of participatory methods and approaches in all stages of program implementation Motivation and dedication of union staff Organizational commitment to address the problem.

Lessons Learned Support of company management needs to be raised Joint workplace actions must be increased and sustained Managers, union leaders need to be engaged to speak favorably on HIV/AIDS prevention and control Union and/or Workplace Policy must become basis of program implementation