IMPLEMENTING THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON HIV/AIDS AND THE WORLD OF WORK: THE ROLE OF

TRADE UNIONS

By Ariel B. CastroTrade 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 (2001-2006)

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