The greatest incidence of HIV and Aids infection occurs in those between the ages of fifteen and forty two. That’s the bulk of the work force – and over the past two years the Labour Department has heard five cases from persons who claim their services were terminated because they were HIV infected – even if only one of them have since been substantiated. But, the law says that no one should lose their job and those that are living with HIV/Aids you should not be discriminated against in the workplace.
In fact the Labour Department is encouraging businesses countrywide to develop a plan of action for the infected employee and the workplace. That’s been the mission of a two day workplace development training session which ended today. According to acting Deputy Labour Commissioner Hertha Gentle, the goal is to have the participating organizations develop and implement a voluntary HIV and Aids policy.
Hertha Gentle, Acting Deputy Labour Commissioner
“Like with every other thing if the client does not want us to pursue the matter then generally we cannot based on the law right now and that is the reason why that at the department as well as through the said commission, the National Aids Commission they are looking at legislation.
Having the policy developed and implemented in the workplace is more of a preparatory measure for when that company is affected by the presence of HIV and Aids. So rather than having somebody saying I am positive and you do not know what to do, we encourage that you develop the policy, have a contingency plan in place so you can know what to do when you have that in your organization. So it would mean not terminating somebody’s services but rather having the situation such that the person can continue being employed and earn a living because generally HIV is not a death sentence you know so they can just do what they normally do.“
Jacqueline Godwin,
I understand that to date there are only three companies who have formalized a plan of action. Do you consider this number low?
Hertha Gentle,
“Well three companies is through the Labour Department effort and I would not consider it low because if we have only one company that is still a success and after today’s session, right now we have at least twenty companies with us and we are hoping that every company who is here will walk away and go into start developing their companies, so like I said even with one it is still a success.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
How optimistic are you that in a very short period of time we will see companies coming onboard actually having something in place so if an employee is indeed tested positive he or she does not lose their job?
Hertha Gentle,
“Well I do not believe that it is going to be quick or an easy process, I am very very optimistic that sessions like these that we are doing, the information will be getting out there, the exposure that we get as to what we are doing, who we have here, I am hoping that it would encourage other companies look at their situation and say you know what maybe it is not such a bad idea let us wait and be prepared than wait until there is a law some type of legislation - that this is a stepping stone for others.”
The Labour Department will be asking all companies that participated to sign a memorandum of understanding.
