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Real Life Scenarios
How can the Manager's and Labor Leader's Kits help you address HIV/AIDS issues that may arise in your workplace? Read the real life scenarios:
Scenario 1
Scenario 1 takes place in a business. Thomas has a high visibility job that puts him in regular contact with customers. Although there has been no change in his performance, he has not been looking well. Thomas has lost weight and is beginning to look drawn and frail. When you ask how he is, Thomas says, "I'm fine," and quickly changes the subject. Over the past few weeks, he's missed a lot of time from work for doctors' appointments and you suspect that he may have AIDS. You hear rumors that other staff members think Thomas has AIDS and some are complaining about working with him.
- What are the legal issues involved in this situation?
- How will you address the concerns of his co-workers?
- Can you ask the employee to disclose a health condition and is he required to disclose it?
Look for the answers in the Manager's Kit.
Scenario 2
Scenario 2 takes place in a workplace. Christina has been a union member for the past 10 years and has been promoted twice. She recently disclosed her HIV status to her employer and requested it remain confidential. Christina has been in her current position for three years and continues to perform well; however, since her disclosure, she has received disciplinary layoffs for poor work performance and tardiness. Last week she arrived at work to find many of the duties essential to her position had been reassigned to someone else, and her workspace had been moved to a remote location. Christina discussed the changes with her supervisor and was informed the changes were necessary to protect her co-workers. Christina contacted her shop steward for assistance.
- Can Christina's employer make arbitrary decisions, such as taking away essential job responsibilities and moving her workspace?
- Does Christina's supervisor have to honor her request to keep her HIV status confidential?
Look for the answers in the Labor Leader's Kit.
Scenario 3
Scenario 3 takes place in a business. Peter is a strong performer in the organization and you are considering him for a promotion. As his manager, you meet with him to discuss the promotion, and he tells you he has been diagnosed with AIDS and has been feeling quite sick lately. Peter really likes his job and tells you that he wants the promotion, but he needs occasional time off for medical appointments. He tells you that he has been paying for all of his medical bills out of his own pocket as he is afraid that if his diagnosis goes on his record both his advancement in the company and his insurance coverage will be in jeopardy. He is also afraid that if other people find out he has AIDS they will object to working with him. He requests that you keep his AIDS diagnosis confidential.
- What are the legal issues involved in this situation?
- How should you address Peter's fears of disclosure?
- What should you do to address this issue within the company?
Look for the answers in the Manager's Kit.
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