HIV/AIDS Workshop during the ITF Congress

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Page context: The 41st Congress of the ITF > Essential Guide to Congress > HIV/AIDS Workshop > HIV/AIDS Workshop during the ITF Congress

Although it has seemed a familiar enemy for the last 25 years, HIV/AIDS is only now beginning to be seen for what it is: a unique threat which jeopardises economic growth, social and political stability and whose impact will be felt for many more generations. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history (AIDS epidemic update, UNAIDS, 2005). According to this report the total number of people living with the HIV virus reached its highest level; an estimated 40.3 million people are now living with this virus and in 2005 alone nearly 5 million people were newly infected with the virus. The time of highest risk of HIV transmission coincides with the peak years of productive life in adult men and women that is why over 90 percent of people with HIV are adults in their productive prime.

HIV not only an African problem
AIDS is not just a primarily African problem. It is true that the HIV crisis continues to deepen in Africa but the disease has already started to affect other parts of the world as it did 10 – 15 years ago in Africa. The recent data shows countries in Central Asia and Eastern Europe are experiencing a fast growing HIV epidemic. At the same time it is a mistake to say that AIDS is no longer a significant threat for industrialised countries. Unfortunately new data shows that the gains of the 1990s proved short-lived and we are witnessing a newly expanding epidemic in rich countries. In the era of globalisation and liberalization and when HIV is expanding relentlessly exploiting the opportunities created by poverty, social and gender inequality, armed conflicts etc, it is no more a problem of one country, one region or one continent; it is now more of a global problem.

HIV/AIDS: an issue for the transport sector
HIV/AIDS has a triple impact on the transport sector. It affects the transport workers, their families, communities, the enterprise concerned and the economy as a whole. Some groups of workers are particularly more vulnerable to acquiring and transmitting HIV infection because of the nature and conditions of the work. Transport workers, in some situations are such a group-whether they work on land, sea or air routes. With the globalisation of production, increasing numbers of transport companies are transforming into inter modal freight and logistics companies with several forms of transport, which may increase the likelihood that their workers may be required to be away from home for even longer time. The consequence are not only national but also sub-regional and beyond. Global production and the supply chain also mean that the deadlines are tighter with increased work pressure on the workers. The growth of “ just in time” inventory control means much tighter delivery times with penalty clauses for late delivery adding to the stress which workers experience. All these complex factors make the transport workers more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. In a number of African and some Asian countries, HIV prevalence is higher among transport workers than in the general population, especially among long distance drivers on some major transport corridors.

Transport workers take action:
It is now well established that without the active involvement of transport workers and their unions it is impossible to develop an effective response against the pandemic. So as transport unions we have a very critical role to play and this requires above all the commitment and a genuine understanding of the problem. We really need to intensify our effort and energy to make an effective impact at a political, industrial and at work place level.

During the ITF congress in Durban, the Education department will conduct two workshops on HIV/AIDS on the morning of 3rd and 4th August 2006. All representatives attending the congress are invited to attend the workshops. Issues to be covered:

The impact of HIV/AIDS on transport workers.
HIV/AIDS as a workplace and trade union issue.
Trade union strategies to fight HIV/AIDS including workplace policies, collective bargaining clause and drop in centres.
Building alliances and partnerships
ITF’s initiatives on HIV/AIDS.

There will be an opportunity in the workshop to view the recently developed ITF documentary on HIV/AIDS and transports.

Section home:
Essential Guide to Congress

Other pages for HIV/AIDS Workshop:

Transport International Magazine

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