Black Labor Union Teaches Members about HIV/AIDS

[SocialistLez]

"Throughout history, labor unions have been known for organizing workers to fight for better benefits, contracts and wages. More recently, organized labor has battled to eliminate job discrimination and make the workplace safe. But these days, the mission of some unions includes a surprising new twist: educating members about HIV/AIDS.

One such union is the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), the nation's oldest and largest independent labor organization representing Black workers. Known for its ability to mobilize African American voters to influence elections and public policy, the CBTU is one of 12 recipients of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) first round of Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) grants to increase HIV-related awareness, knowledge and action within Black communities.



Why does CBTU care about AIDS? One of every five Black workers belongs to a union, and many work in professions that place them at elevated risk for HIV infection (think: corrections, health- and home care, and sanitation)."


Source: http://www.blackaids.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=640:black-labor-union-teaches-members-about-hivaids&catid=53:news-2010&Itemid=120

I think this is great.
I have been thinking a lot lately about HIV/AIDS in the black community. I am glad labor unions are trying to help reduce the # of people infected and trying to make people aware of their status.