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World Aids Day reminds us of the need for a renewed response, both at home and abroad, to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. More than 20 years after World AIDS Day was first observed on December 1, and 30 years after the first diagnosed case of the infection, the global epidemic persists.

In a recent letter to CUPE locals, National President Paul Moist and National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury said: “CUPE believes that the HIV and AIDS pandemic is both a human rights issue and a workplace issue. Our mission is to join in solidarity with workers and communities in Canada and around the globe to prevent HIV infection, to meet the challenges of AIDS, and to build healthy workplaces and communities for everyone.”

Many CUPE members work with people with HIV or AIDS, and some suffer from it themselves. Ensuring that anyone living with HIV or AIDS isn’t subjected to stigmatization or discrimination because of this disease is important work. The right to treatment and accommodation must be protected. Appropriate health and safety standards must also be put in place for at-risk workers.

Earlier this year, CUPE’s National Executive Board adopted the CUPE HIV AIDS Policy – A Workplace Response to the Pandemic. This policy seeks to ensure the full protection of all human rights and labour rights for HIV positive workers and those working or living with people who are HIV positive. It outlines CUPE’s vision for action on behalf of those living with HIV in Canada and around the world.

On this World AIDS Day, we encourage CUPE members to consider how your work and your lives intersect with HIV and AIDS,” said Moist and Fleury. Members should read the policy, “and reflect on what you can do to build on our achievements.”

For more information on CUPE’s work on HIV/AIDS, contact Carol Proulx: cproulx@cupe.ca.