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Maritime union in Argentina sets up HIV education partnership

23 Julho 2009

An Argentine maritime union has established a cooperation agreement with a hospital in a bid to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and to promote the prevention message among seafarers.

The ITF-affiliated union, Centro de Jefes y Oficiales Maquinistas Navales, has reached an agreement with Muñiz Hospital in Buenos Aires, following an informal collaboration during which two seminars on HIV/AIDS were organised at the end of last year and in April this year. As part of the cooperation agreement doctors and professors based in the hospital will set up further seminars on HIV/AIDS aimed at seafarers to help prevent the spread of the infection.

The union already has a strong record on HIV/AIDS work – it recently won a collective bargaining agreement with shipowners’ representatives that includes a clause highlighting the need to implement the International Labour Organization code of practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work and other standards outlined by the Argentine government. The union also plans to produce a film on HIV/AIDS prevention.

Mujica Gustavo Andres from the union said: “Transport can contribute to the spread of epidemics and pandemics. That’s why prevention and education in our sector are fundamental tools in the fight to stamp out disease and deaths.

“The role of trade unions is fundamental because a strong and united trade unionism not only improves the social conditions of the workers, but is also an essential factor in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.”

Asif Altaf, ITF global HIV/AIDS coordinator, commented: “It’s great that this union is doing so much to help in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This kind of collaborative approach ensures that the union is making the most of existing expertise to further the cause of HIV prevention.”

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