THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging private establishments to consider providing additional leaves and flexible work arrangements for employees afflicted with HIV or AIDS.
In an advisory, DOLE said for “employees who may need further medical attention due to their disease,” the companies may consider giving paid leave benefits on top of leave benefits under the company policy, collective bargaining agreement, the Labor Code of the Philippines, and special laws.
DOLE said they may allow flexible work arrangements, re-scheduling of work hours, and adoption of other work arrangements, including telecommuting.
While such arrangements are merely encouraged, DOLE said employers and their employees must have a shared responsibility to ensure the effective implementation of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
Employers are also required to create a program on workplace HIV/AIDS prevention and control, which shall include activities for the promotion of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS.
It also said that employers must refer employees requiring HIV/AIDS-related health services to DOH-retained hospitals and social hygiene clinics.
DOLE said employees requiring further examination relative to their HIV/AIDS-related health needs must also be given access to healthcare services and facilities, such as those provided by the PhilHealth Konsulta Package.
DOLE also said medical records of concerned employees shall be handled in accordance with the Data Privacy Act. — Gerard Naval
