Why is HIV/AIDS such a big issue for transport unions?

Mobility and long absences from home make transport workers vulnerable to HIV infection. Road transport workers, seafarers and flight crew are particularly affected. In many countries railway workers and port workers are also considered high risk groups.

Employers often screen transport workers for HIV in pre-employment medicals. Dismissals as a response to actual or perceived HIV status are common.

What is the scale of the problem?

In terms of infection rates this is not easy to answer. The little statistical information that exists is anecdotal in nature. One survey at a truck stop in South Africa for example revealed that 75 per cent of the truck drivers tested were HIV positive. Some ITF affiliates in Africa report that more than 10 members per month die of AIDS-related illnesses. In Bangladesh a recent survey found that 30 per cent of the truck drivers have sexually transmitted infections. Surprisingly, none of the 1,200 people tested were HIV positive.

How do the ITF and its affiliates tackle the problem?

Starting in the late 1980s the ITF initially concentrated on information and awareness campaigns, closely cooperating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). More recently the ITF has been developing workplace policies and collective bargaining agreements with its affiliates. Until now this work has been concentrated in Africa’s Great Lakes Region.

The ILO’s code of practice on HIV/AIDS forms the starting point for individual unions, together with their own national legislation. A broad range of issues are usually covered in the agreements and workplace policies. They include anti-discrimination clauses, care and support for workers living with HIV/AIDS and their families, prevention programmes and training.

What are the next steps?

ITF affiliates resolved during the ITF Congress in Vancouver to fight HIV/AIDS more vigorously. Three big steps are planned for 2003. First, expanding project activities from the Great Lakes region throughout Africa. A best practices seminar took place in March in Cape Town, bringing together approximately 40 AIDS campaigners from ITF affiliates to exchange their experiences. These best practices will form the basis of education material specifically developed for transport workers.

Second, ITF affiliates in the Caribbean are keen to develop their specific HIV/AIDS campaign. Questionnaires have been sent out and a planning workshop will take place later in the year. Finally, preparations are under way for a planning workshop in India, which could form the basis of a long term project in South Asia. Although experiences vary in different industries, countries and continents, the approach of developing workplace interventions is essential for all unions.
Other Global Union Federations (GUFs) and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) have also increased their HIV/AIDS programmes. A Global Unions coordination office is currently being established and the GUFs are committed to close cooperation and joint activities in the future.

Is there clear evidence that this approach works?

Workplace interventions based on workplace policies and collective bargaining clearly work. Unions have won numerous victories by having unfairly dismissed workers reinstated and by securing better access to medical care.

Information and awareness campaigns at the workplace also have a direct impact. Many affiliates report that the number of AIDS-related deaths per month has dropped significantly since they began work on the issue. The Dockworkers’ Union in Kenya says that a few years ago four people died every week, now this figure is down to one person every month.

Discrimination consigned to the past

The Dockworkers’ Union of Kenya, in cooperation with management, has long been active in the fight against AIDS. Workplace education started several years back. After an ITF project planning workshop in October 2001, sponsored by the Dutch confederation FNV, the union managed for the first time to include HIV/AIDS related provisions in its collective bargaining agreement.

This agreement ensures that discrimination against workers living with HIV/AIDS and screening for employment purposes are now things of the past. The agreement also provides for HIV/AIDS training of all 147 shop stewards (paid for by the company, KPA) and 90 minutes training per week at each workplace.

The ILO website can be seen here.