The Department of Labour in collaboration with the HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team finalized a National HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy in 2012. The document came to fruition with the assistance of International Organizations of the United Nations both in Labour and Health, in addition to representatives of local private and public sector organizations and governmental departments. This National Policy was approved by the Council of Ministers and launched in December of 2012. This policy aims to provide a set of guidelines to be adhered to by all employers and workers of St. Maarten both public and private, in order to address the HIV and AIDS epidemic in and through the workplace.
Government decided to lead by example and not expect the private sector to adhere to the National policy without first ensuring that the Government Organization was also in line with Policy guidelines. For this reason the Personnel and Organization department’s assistance was sought. They together with SZV have made it possible that as of August 1, 2013, pre-appointment HIV testing was no longer required for entering the organization. This is a huge milestone in preventing discrimination and ensuring equality in the workplace.
Government would now like to call on the rest of the community to follow suit and begin adhering to the National Policy as a person’s HIV status has no bearing on his/her ability to perform most job functions. Let’s work together to build a more equal workforce where no one is prevented from entering the labour market!
A copy of The National HIV and AIDS Workplace policy can be obtained from the following: Labour Affairs Agency, The HIV/AIDS Programme Management Team and the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation; in addition the document can be found digitally at the following address: http://www.sintmaartengov.org/Government/vsa/Department%20of%20Labor/Pages/Notices.aspx