Why Should Labor organizations Respond?
The most important tool in preventing HIV/AIDS and workplace disruption is information. Labor leaders can be a source for credible and accurate information that can prevent the spread of this disease. Simply put, educating people about HIV/AIDS can save lives, and the workplace is a great place to start.
If you haven't already encountered HIV or AIDS in the workplace, chances are you soon will. With more people with HIV/AIDS living and working longer, employers of every size in every industry can expect to deal with HIV.
Labor leaders need to know how to help prevent HIV infection and AIDS among members, employees and their families and within the community; how to demonstrate organizational leadership in helping to prevent HIV; how to comply with legal requirements related to HIV and AIDS in the workplace, and how to respond when an employee or member is infected with HIV or AIDS. Some of the reasons why labor leaders should respond include:
- Some labor organization members are infected with bloodborne diseases, like HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- Organizations represent workers who are at risk of exposure to blood on the job.
- Some workers may be afraid to work with co-workers who have bloodborne diseases, like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- Many labor organization members, such as health care workers and social workers, provide care for people living with bloodborne illnesses.
- Some labor organization members may be caring at home for a family member living with bloodborne diseases.
- Some labor organization members may be involved in personal behavior that puts them at risk for exposure to bloodborne illnesses.
- Some labor organization members may be teaching or working with students who have bloodborne diseases, like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- Members may have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Family Friendly Leave Act, or the Rehabilitation Act.
