HIV / AIDS Workplace Policy

 

Background

Globally HIV/AIDS epidemic is considered one of the most formidable challenges to development and social progress. In the most affected countries, the epidemic is eroding decades of development gains, undermining economies and threatening security and stability of societies.

HIV/AIDS is a major threat to the world of work where it affects the most productive segment of the labour force and imposes huge costs on enterprises through declining productivity and loss of skills and experience.

India with roughly 5.2 million people with HIV/AIDS has the second highest number of HIV infected in the world. Majority of those infected in India are within the productive age group.

It is important to note that Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka along with Maharashtra where SABMiller India has significant presence are among the States where this epidemic has very high prevalence.

Philosophy

HIV and AIDS have had an impact in many other countries in which SABMiller operates. Whilst the Company has as yet not experienced any impact as a result of HIV/AIDS the group believes that a proactive approach is prudent. In line with this, SABMiller India acknowledges the seriousness of the issue and the future impact this may have on the Company, as well as the broader communities, if left unchecked.

SABMiller India cares about the health and well-being of its employees and strives to address this issue by ensuring prevention through knowledge and information dissemination. The Company believes this is an essential element in combating and managing HIV/AIDS.

Thus equipped, SABMiller India employees could champion the cause in their respective communities.

The Company recognises the underlying principle that ignorance of a serious medical condition is a dangerous approach and ignoring symptoms precludes early and accurate diagnosis and therefore prompt and appropriate care.

Objective

  • To provide clarity on the Company’s views and commitments
  • To ensure that legislative requirements in India are adhered to
  • To guide the company’s response to HIV/AIDS in India.

Scope

The policy applies to all employees.

Principles

  • HIV/AIDS will be treated like any other serious illness/condition
  • HIV/AIDS screening will not be required of job applicants.
  • All medical information and data related to an employee’s HIV status will be treated in the strictest confidence. HIV testing will not be included in the regular medical examinations for the employees
  • Employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of their HIV status or regarding promotion, transfer or development opportunities so long as they are physically and medically fit enough to perform their job.
  • The Company is committed to fair, sound and non-discriminatory employment practices. Employees will be employed, promoted, transferred, remunerated, etc. based on the principle that they are "fit to work".
  • HIV status of any employee will not be a cause for termination of employment so long as they are medically and physically fit to do available , appropriate work.
  • The Company will endeavour to create a supportive environment for employee with HIV/AIDS.
  • Employees are required to co-operate with the Company in the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS e.g. by participating in training, education and awareness programmes.
  • The Company will address HIV/AIDS, within the framework of policies and procedures, as well as applicable legislation.

Action

Consistent with this concern for employees, the Company will provide the following resources;

  • Management and employee education and training to encourage the desired behaviour and attitude – the Company will endeavour to make employees aware of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections and disseminate information to achieve this.
  • Communication of this policy to all employees.
  • Upon disclosure, allow maximum of Rs. 10000 per annum (Rupees Ten Thousand per annum) as allowance for treatment of AIDS. This amount is over and above the domiciliary medical allowance which every employee is eligible for.

Policy Implementation

SABMiller India undertakes to communicate the policy to all employees. A core committee on HIV/AIDS will be set up to develop and implement HIV/AIDS policy and programme. The committee will review the policy and suggest policy and programmatic changes, as and when necessary.

The INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION will be our partners in the education and awareness intervention as they have the expertise to provide this service. Their efforts will be supported by expertise from the Group HIV/AIDS Manager. Our SABMiller education material and methodologies will be used to add value to our approach where applicable.