General rights and responsibilities

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An ILO code of practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work

ment, where appropriate, with the active involvement of workers infected and affected

by HIV/AIDS.

4.6. Screening for purposes of exclusion from employment or work processes

HIV/AIDS screening should not be required of job applicants or persons in employ-

ment.

4.7. Confidentiality

There is no justification for asking job applicants or workers to disclose HIV-related

personal information. Nor should co-workers be obliged to reveal such personal infor-

mation about fellow workers. Access to personal data relating to a worker’s HIV status

should be bound by the rules of confidentiality co nsistent with the ILO’s code of practice

on the protection of workers’ personal data, 1997.

4.8. Continuation of employment relationship

HIV infection is not a cause for termination of employment. As with many other con-

ditions, persons with HIV-related illnesses should be able to work for as long as medi-

cally fit in available, appropriate work.

4.9. Prevention

HIV infection is preventable. Prevention of all means of transmission can be achieved

through a variety of strategies which are appropriately targeted to national conditions

and which are culturally sensitive.

Prevention can be furthered through changes in behaviour, knowledge, treatment

and the creation of a non-discriminatory environment.

The social partners are in a unique position to promote prevention efforts particularly

in relation to changing attitudes and behaviours through the provision of information and

education, and in addressing socio-economic factors.

4.10. Care and support

Solidarity, care and support should guide the response to HIV/AIDS in the world of

work. All workers, including workers with HIV, are entitled to affordable health services.

There should be no discrimination against them and their dependants in access to and

receipt of benefits from statutory social security programmes and occupational schemes.

5. General rights and responsibilities

5.1. Governments and their competent authorities

(a) Cohe rence. Governments should ensure coherence in national HIV/AIDS strategy

and programmes, recognizing the importance of including the world of work in

national plans, for example by ensuring that the composition of national AIDS coun-

cils includes representatives of employers, workers, people living with HIV/AIDS

and of ministries responsible for labour and social matters.

(b) Multi-sectora l participa tion. The competent authorities should mobilize and support

broad partnerships for protection and prevention, including public agencies, the pri-