India: National Trade Unions and HIV/AIDS Prevention

"Today, the trade unions are so convinced of the need for HIV/AIDS awareness that they are initiating programmes to ensure that workers with HIV/AIDS are not discriminated against."

This article describes how national trade unions in India have taken action in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Officials recognised the seriousness of the problem when statistics indicated that a significant number of potential employees between the ages of 15 - 49 have HIV/AIDS (which according to the article, represents over four million individuals.)

Further information helped the national trade unions determine a proactive approach when "a study of industries in Chennai revealed that absenteeism was expected to double in the next two years due to HIV/AIDS related illnesses, and that 75 per cent of employees were unaware that condoms could prevent HIV infection." In spite of this, it took close to two years for trade union officials to gradually see the proportions of the epidemic. A number of people objected to the idea of AIDS initiatives because they could not see what trade unions had to do with HIV/AIDS. There were also many employees who felt uncomfortable with the subject matter of promiscuity.

One key group that helped national trade unions recognise the need to respond to HIV/AIDS was the International Labor Organisation (ILO) which chose to educate decision-makers as a first step. They presented materials and information on the subject as well as "sensitisation workshops." Steps included training educators, disseminating information and building awareness among trade union employees. Once these steps occurred, the issue of human and women's rights gathered more attention.

One of the most important messages that ILO worked on was getting the trade unions to focus on the advantages of using condoms in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Part of the process included the creation of a "condom friendly atmosphere" to decrease the stigma related to sex.

According to the article, there was a perception on the part of many people that felt AIDS was a "well-deserved punishment for

promiscuous people." This belief changed considerably to the point where people recognised that anyone, including those with

HIV/AIDS has basic rights and that rather than pass judgment it iwas time to help. Through sensitisation workshops, and

interaction with infected persons, workers were described as realising "that to discriminate against infected persons, especially

their co-workers was a violation of their rights."

The article refers to three major factors as contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS: "low levels of literacy, the lack of health

services, and gender disparities." With all five national trade unions holding sensitisation programmes, and disseminating information, there is evidence that trade unions are contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

For the full article contact Swapna Majumdar: smaju@giasdl01.vsnl.net.in