The Department of Labor and Employment on Monday warned employers not to discriminate against workers afflicted with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome as it intensifies the information campaign on the prevention of HIV and AIDS in workplaces.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that private establishments should implement non-discriminatory policy and practices to ensure confidentiality of HIV status, and work accommodation and arrangements.
“Any form of discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS is sanctioned under R.A. 8504, or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998. Under the law, each employer shall ensure non-discriminatory practices in the workplaces, such as acquiring HIV testing,” Baldoz said.
The labor chief also reminded employers that under R.A. 8504, HIV testing should not be required as a precondition for employment.
She said the Occupational Safety and Health Center is working to make more visible and extensive efforts in reaching and informing workers on the dangers of risky workplace behaviors that may lead to HIV/AIDS infection.
The OSHC has intensified its HIV and AIDS prevention and control campaign through the conduct of lectures, training, and orientation in private companies. It has also developed and disseminated information, education, and communication materials on information on the basics of HIV and AIDS prevention, transmission, and promotion of non-discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS.
Baldoz said that out of 31,428 companies visited by Labor Law Compliance Officers nationwide, there are already 24,018 companies found compliant as of September 2015
Data from the Department of Health, there were 560 new HIV cases reported in the first quarter of this year, 209 of which were reported in the National Capital Region; 102 from Region 4-A; and 48 in Region 3. The 560 new cases represent a 42-percent increase compared to the 393 cases reported in April 2014.
The current figure translates to an average of 20 new HIV cases being reported each day since the start of the year.