Patricia Watson, Senior Staff Reporter
SINCE THE start of the year, it has become quite fashionable to speak about HIV and the workplace. But despite gains made, a significant number of people living with HIV still suffer discrimination at their workplaces.
So far, only a few companies, notably, Cable and Wireless and Grace, Kennedy and Company have actually put what they state into practice. The policies on HIV at these companies give added protection to their HIV positive workers and those who are currently negative, thus lessening the fear they will be fired or driven out of work by their colleagues.
"For the past 10 years, we have seen distinct shifts, but we still are not comfortable. We have seen people lose their jobs because of the spots on their skin -- there is still a far way to go," Ian McKnight, executive director of the Jamaica AIDS Support said.
For the HIV positive person, a job is as essential as the medication he takes. It is the job that provides him with food, medication and income to provide for his family. HIV is a disease that can cause much shame and low self-esteem, but a job helps those who have the disease to live in dignity. It prevents him from begging and being a burden to his family. It is what keeps many from falling into bouts of depression, which does nothing to alleviate the disease itself.
Thirty-six-year-old Garyis the father of three. He worked in the hotel industry for quite a number of years, but lost his job because of his status. Today, he has to depend on his mother for support she gives him $500 per month, but not before cursing him and telling him how despicable he is. Thirty-five year old Maxine, mother of a teenage son lost her job, when she told her employer of her status. For months she struggled to make ends meet by taking in clothes to sew. Two months ago, the same employer who fired her contacted her, apologised and practically begged her to return to work.
For 29-year-old Alex, being out of a job has been quite depressing. A trained accountant, Alex worked as an administrative secretary for more than five years.
"I am a homosexual and I found out I was HIV positive in 1991. I was sick and in the hospital and the doctors did the test and told me afterwards that I was HIV positive. They referred me to CHARES at the time, but I refused to go. I don't know why, because I didn't know anything about the disease. I just went on with my life, I had just entered college and was basically living in denial for seven years. I got ill again and that is when I decided to tell my family. That was the turning point for me," he said.
Today, Alex walks with a limp and admits he is quite miserable. Up to three years ago, Alex was able to provide himself with all the basic necessities, but not so today.
"I am not working now, I have a problem with my leg because of drug reaction. I have not worked for a year and a half. I got a job recently, but I only stayed for three months. I've been miserable, I think that is why I lost that job. Since the disease, I've been very irritable and the job was a night job, so it may have contributed to that. I get upset over everything it is as if all my problems seem to be more," Alex tried to explain.
He noted that if people tried a bit more to understand people living with HIV, life would be so much easier. He was unable to discuss his problems with his employer, because the environment was not encouraging. His employers never tried to find out why he was irritable and because of fear, he never discussed his problems. He therefore lost out on a job, which he could have benefited from immensely.
"I never got depressed in the early days, it is just now when I am unable to find a job. I am a trained accountant and worked as an administrative secretary."
Alex said his family knows about his status, but they too need to be more understanding.
"I think family members who live with people with HIV should try to learn more about the disease. I think that is what is happening in my home. They know that I am ill and they try their best, but you know they need to be more informed and educated. I really thought about doing it, but I really don't think they want to hear about it," he noted.
Names changed on request.
Persons who have lost their jobs based on their HIV status and would like to tell their stories, write to BREAKING THE SILENCE, C/O OUTLOOK, 7 NORTH STREET KINGSTON Or call Patricia Watson at 922-3400.
