AIDS Is a Global Human Rights Issue
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Today is World AIDS Day, and union members around the world are calling for increased workplace efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and a renewed commitment by world leaders to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
While funding for HIV and AIDS prevention has been hit hard by the global recession, we need to remember that AIDS itself is not in recession, says Sharan Burrow, general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
Governments have committed to reverse the spread of this disease by 2015, and action in the workplace and union work in the broader social context is critically important to achieving this aim.
Stars Light Up Broadway to Fight AIDS
The cast of three Hollywood-based daytime soaps recently came to the East Coast to show off their singing and dancing chops to help people living with HIV/AIDS.
Over the past six years, the show, “ABC Daytime Soap & Soapanet Salute Broadway Cares,” has raised more than $1.6 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA).
New York’s historic Town Hall theater was sold out March 21 for the two benefit performances by the stars of “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital.” Special guest Sherri Shepherd, co-host of the TV show “The View,” brought down the house with a full-on Tina Turner-style performance of ”Proud Mary.”
Union Movement Works to Halt AIDS/HIV Pandemic
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Today is World AIDS Day, and global union members are reinforcing their commitment to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, which has infected 33 million people worldwide and more than 1 million in the United States. Around the world, the pandemic has devastated workers and their families, shattered communities and reversed the rise in work and living standards.
Among the most vulnerable of those with the disease are some 2 million children worldwide, with 1,000 more becoming infected every day. In the United States, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) is teaming up with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the producers of the fun children’s DVD “Sockville—A New Pair of Socks” to help fight pediatric HIV/AIDS.
For every DVD purchased at a special $9.99 price, $3 will go to the Elizabeth Glaser Foundation, CWA’s charity of choice for nearly 20 years. Click here to buy the DVD at this special rate and help children with AIDS. This special offer is only good until Dec. 15, 2009.
Global Postal Unions Fighting Spread of HIV
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In many countries, post offices are a central part of the community and often promote public health messages. Now, the postal unions worldwide have launched a campaign based in post offices to get out the word on preventing the spread of HIV.
UNI Global Unions (UNI), which represents workers in 900 unions worldwide, has joined with the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and UNAIDS to launch a global-awareness campaign on HIV in post offices around the world. Through a series of posters and handouts, post offices in participating countries will provide visitors and employees with important information about preventing HIV.
