Prevention through information and education

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6. Prevention through information and education

(g) Monitoring of com plia nce. Workers’ representatives have the right to take up issues

at their workplaces through grievance and disciplinary procedures and/or should

report all discrimination on the basis of HIV/AIDS to the appropriate legal authori-

ties.

(h) Train ing. Workers’ organizations should develop and carry out training courses for

their representatives on workplace issues raised by the epidemic, on appropriate

responses, and on the general needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their car-

ers.

(i) Risk reductio n a nd ma na gem en t. Workers and their organizations should advocate

for, and cooperate with, employers to maintain a safe and healthy working environ-

ment, including the correct application and maintenance of protective equipment

and first aid. Workers and their organizations should assess the vulnerability of the

working environment and promote tailored programmes for workers as appropriate.

(j) Confide ntia lity. Workers have the right to access their own personal and medical

files. Workers’ organizations should not have access to personnel data relating to a

worker’s HIV status. In all cases, when carrying out trade union responsibilities and

functions, the rules of confidentiality and the requirement for the concerned per-

son’s consent set out in the Occupational Health Services Recommendation, 1985

(No. 171), should apply.

(k) Workers in in for ma l a c tivities (a lso k no wn as info rma l sector) . Workers and their

organizations should extend their activities to these workers in partnership with all

other relevant stakeholders, where appropriate, and support new initiatives which

help both prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and mitigate its impact.

(l) Vulnera bility. Workers and their organizations should ensure that factors that

increase the risk of infection for certain groups of workers are addressed in consul-

tation with employers.

(m)Support for c on fid en tial voluntary HIV counselling and testing. Workers and their

organizations should work with employers to encourage and support access to con-

fidential voluntary counselling and testing.

(n) Intern a tional pa rtnerships. Workers’ organizations should build solidarity across

national borders by using sectoral, regional and international groupings to highlight

HIV/AIDS and the world of work, and to include it in workers’ rights campaigns.

6. Prevention through information and education

Workplace information and education programmes are e ssential to combat the spread

of the epidemic and to foster greater tolerance for workers with HIV/AIDS. Effective ed-

ucation c an contribute to the capacity of workers to protect themselves against HIV infec-

tion. It can significantly reduce HIV-related anxiety and stigmatization, minimize

disruption in the workplace, and bring about attitudinal and behavioural change. Pro-

grammes should be developed through consultations between governments, employers

and workers and their representatives to ensure support at the highest levels and the fullest

participation of all co ncerned. Information and education should be provided in a variety

of forms, not relying exclusively on the written word and including distance learning

where necessary. Programmes should be targeted and tailored to the age, gender, sexual