HIV and AIDS in the Workplace
Q&A with Cable Positive’s Steve Villano

Steve Villano is president and CEO of Cable Positive, the cable and telecommunications industry’s AIDS action organization. Learn More about Cable Positive

Q. A “Positive Voices” video available on your Web site examines the Cirque du Soleil’s heavily publicized firing of a performer due to his HIV status. Is it your experience that employment discrimination is the biggest issue related to HIV and AIDS in the workplace?

A: Over 50 percent of the U.S. workforce is made up of an age group that accounts for the majority of HIV infection (25-44).  That is important to understand.  Discrimination plays a big role in HIV and AIDS workplace issues and I think that is based primarily in fear, stigma, and lack of education about the epidemic. 

I believe that Matthew Cusick’s story, showcased in the first of our Positive Voices series, highlights the fact that workplace discrimination, fear, and stigma surrounding a person’s HIV status still very much exists even 25 years into this epidemic.

There are a lot of myths, wrong information, and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS.  That becomes a breeding ground for fear and stigma in the workplace and that almost always leads to discrimination if not addressed properly by the employer.

Q. When it comes to any workplace issue, it’s paramount to have a comprehensive strategy in place. What are the key elements for a successful approach to addressing HIV and AIDS in the workplace?

A: The most important tool in preventing the spread HIV and AIDS is information.  For a comprehensive and effective HIV and AIDS workplace program, it is essential that there are key elements including a workplace policy, employee, family and friend education program, and resources in place at that organization. 

This means that any workplace program is most effective when there is a workplace policy in place, they train their supervisors and managers, educate their employees, and make materials available for employees to share with those they love about how HIV is transmitted, what steps can be taken to protect themselves, and what resources are available to them both in the company and in their communities.

Q. Cable Positive has developed four core principles for employers; three of which relate to taking corporate responsibility. Legally, what is required of a company?

A:  The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employment discrimination, including workplace harassment, based on an employee’s disability.  In 1998, The US Supreme Court expanded the definition to include HIV status.  This applies to all stages of employment decisions, including recruitment, transfers, layoffs, and promotions.  If the employee with the disability, one who is able to perform their essential functions of their position either unaided or with reasonable accommodations, experiences discrimination based on that disability, then the employer is held legally accountable.

This further demonstrates the employers need to educate their employees on the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and how infected coworkers do not pose any kind of threat to safety in ordinary workplace contact.

Q. Can you share some of the most trailblazing corporate initiatives related to HIV and AIDS that you have observed in the cable and telecommunications industry?

A: There are many noteworthy initiatives that are being taken by our industry.  The support from the companies of volunteers from each of the six chapters of Cable Positive is a great example of one of those initiatives.  Cox Communications, The Weather Channel, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, and Scripps Networks are just a few who stand behind the efforts of their employees to make a difference both locally and nationally in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Three others that come immediately to mind are:

1. 2. Bill McGorry & Larry Oliver's (of Reed Business Information) compassionate and courageous leadership in making special workplace accomodations for Joel Berger, former editor of Cablevision Magazine, who was HIV Positive, and eventually died of AIDS-related illnesses.  McGorry and Oliver's work--coming 6 years before the US Supreme Court ruled that HIV status was a physical disability under the Americans for Disabilities Act--was truly pioneering, and set the industry standard by bold example of compassionate care for HIV positive individuals in the workplace.

2. The mandating of AIDS in the Workplace Training by Leo Hindery, then-CEO of AT & T cable/TCI.  Under Hindery's leadership, AITW training was given to every level of employee throughout AT&T, and "train-the-trainer" programs were implemented across the country to teach AT &T employees how to train their colleagues about HIV/AIDS.

3. The mandating of AIDS in the Workplace Training by James Dolan, Chairman & CEO of Cablevision Systems Corporation, at all levels of the corporation and within all subdivisions.  Under Dolan's leadership workers ranging from popcorn sellers at Madison Square Garden to division presidents and CEOs participated in Cable Positive's AIDS in the Workplace Training.  Cablevision Systems also conducted a series of World AIDS Day events to educate employees about the HIV virus.

Q.  What HIV and AIDS in the workplace resources are available to HR practitioners?

A:Cable Positive is the HR practitioner’s greatest resource.  With the re-launching of our AIDS in the Workplace(AITW) program, HR practitioner’s will have access to Cable Positive staff who will help by providing information on developing workplace education programs on HIV/AIDS that fit that company’s needs.  Through AITW, Cable Positive staff will also be available to work on policy development, manager training, employee education, and family/friends education and awareness.  There will also be an online resource guide available to connect HR practitioners, and their employees, to vital online resources.

Also, our PSAs and documentaries are available to HR practitioners to run on their intranet sites, break rooms, and during trainings.  Media is an incredible tool and one that I would encourage all employers to use when they can.

The programs and services are also a resource that is available.  The Actor’s Fund administers our Employee Assistance Program and they are always there to help individuals and employers best address the issues and questions that they may have.

Q. What is Cable Positive’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and who qualifies to use the program?

A: Cable Positive's Employee Assistance Program is a partnership between Cable Positive and The Actors' Fund of America. The program provides emergency financial aid and client services to eligible cable television industry employees who are living with HIV/AIDS and their family members/domestic partners.

The Actors' Fund Social Services offer comprehensive programs designed to meet the critical needs of entertainment professionals throughout their lives. Social workers provide crisis intervention, individual and family needs assessments, and develop long-term plans include ongoing support, education, information and referrals.  In addition, confidential financial assistance can be provided for essential living expenses such as rent, utilities or medical costs.

Anyone is eligible who has an HIV or AIDS diagnosis, is an employee of a cable television industry-related company, or has been employed by a cable company or production company supplying cable programming, and has worked in the industry for at least one year.

Also, immediate family members (spouse/domestic partner, parent, child, brother, sister) of eligible cable industry members that also meet the additional criteria are eligible.

The Actors’ Fund also offers affordable housing and assisted living to those living with HIV and AIDS.

The Aurora, an affordable, supportive housing residence on 57th Street in Manhattan, provides housing to low income professionals, seniors and persons with AIDS.

In West Hollywood, The Actors’ Fund provides affordable housing to industry members with HIV/AIDS at the Palm View Residence.
The Actors’ Fund is a great partner in Cable Positive’s EAP program and I encourage any and all in need to take advantage of this program.  To find out more visit www.actorsfund.org.