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Little protection for HIV positive workers

By Andrea Downer

A survey which was recently carried out on HIV/AIDS in workplaces in Jamaica has revealed that a large number of Jamaican companies do not have specific policies regarding HIV/AIDS. In addition, a high level of stigma and discrimination still exists in the private sector regarding the disease.

Abner Mason, Executive Director of the AIDS Responsibility Project, said this stigma prevents some employees from finding out their HIV status and further prevents them from revealing their status if they do get tested and they are HIV positive.

“This results in loss of jobs and prevents people from seeking treatment which increase their risk of dying from the disease,” Mr. Mason stated.

The survey which was carried out in February 2006, found that of the 23 companies surveyed, 62 per cent have no HIV-specific employment policies. However, many of those companies said they were in the process of drafting policies. Thirteen per cent of the companies indicated that they would not hire an HIV-positive employee. Ninety-six said they have confidentiality policies covering HIV status, but only half have any enforcement procedures in place. All the companies surveyed reported that they would not fire an employee on the basis of HIV.

The survey found that managers and human resources departments operating without HIV-specific policies resort to ad hoc responses when an employee’s HIV status is disclosed or suspected in the workplace. Most HIV-positive employees are either unaware of their status, or are likely to conceal it from their employees. This increases costs for companies and increases the likelihood of employee absenteeism through illness and death.

Most of the companies said they needed help in developing HIV/AIDS workplace policies. The survey revealed a need for greater co-ordination of the various activities in Jamaica to assist the private sector with policy development and implementation. Managers and HR professionals reported having few opportunities to share information between companies on HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Mid-level managers reported that they need greater commitment from CEOs and senior management for policy development and implementation activities in order to make a meaningful difference.

The private sector’s response to the survey data will serve as the foundation for establishing a national HIV/AIDS business council, through which companies will make a public commitment to pursue common goals to reduce stigma and discrimination in their workplaces.

The Jamaica Employers Federation will act as secretariat for the business council. Executive Director for the JEF, Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd disclosed that the business council would be launched in May 2006. So far, 13 companies have signed a corporate values statement that embodies the mission statement of the national business council on HIV/AIDS. In signing the statement, the companies agree to take steps to eradicate HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in their workplaces. Other companies are being encouraged to sign and become a part of the proposed council.

The survey was sent to 70 Jamaican companies from a range of economic factors, however, only 23 completed and returned the surveys by the deadline.

The survey was funded and made possible through partnership with USAID, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Futures Group and AIDS Responsibility Project.