Labour Discrimination a Symptom of HIV

"The current study initiates a key methodology which can drive world-wide researchers to conduct relevant surveys. As efforts grow...to address HIV discrimination, so does the need for a set of standard tested and validated discrimination indicators. Measurements and discrimination trends are a key tool for identifying effective anti-stigma programming."

This 29-page document details a methodology, developed in Greece, that is designed to assist researchers, worldwide, to conduct surveys in tune with the spirit of the International Labour Organisation Code (2001). This code, meant to secure decent work and respect for the human rights and dignity of persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, holds that there should be no discrimination against applicants for work on the basis of real or perceived HIV status. It outlines 10 key principles intended to guide governments and employees' and employers' organisations in member states on policy and practice in specific areas, including the adoption of legislation to cover HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

In this context, a study drawing upon "correspondence testing" was conducted in order to test whether job applicants living with HIV face prejudices in the crucial stage of the selection process in Greece. Resumes that, according to researchers, differed only in applicants' health status, were faxed to personnel advertising job openings. The study led to the conclusion that "employers use health condition as a factor when reviewing resumés, which matches the legal definition of discrimination." The rate of net discrimination against men who are HIV-positive was found to be between 82.6% and 97.8%; that rate ranged from 81.6% to 98.8%) among HIV-positive women."

The probability of receiving a job interview is estimated as what is called here a "Probit model"; this approach is detailed beginning on page 10 of the document. In short, the author's message is that such tests "can both enhance our ability to measure discrimination and increase the effectiveness of civil rights law and enforcement designed to counteract it. The link between d]iscrimination tests...[and] public policy is especially close. Because of this, strong documentation of discrimination such as that presented can influence the terms of the debate over strengthening equal opportunity legislation."