News filtering in is that we are flouting some ICAO requirements. One of them is that pilots and air traffic controllers should be tested for sugar diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and HIV/AIDS among others. Botswana is now in trouble with ICAO for failing to conduct the tests. This is an emotive subject particularly because it can result in job losses for people that might have the said conditions. It comes at a time when we have made significant strides on human rights in the work place. Recently BONELA spearheaded a campaign for signatures calling for protection of employees in the workplaces. There have been concerns that People Living With AIDS have been discriminated against.
Even the most rigid employers are gradually accepting that it is not right to discriminate against employees on the basis of their health condition. Employment is a right and this is the premise that we should all be operating from. Without employment, it would be hard for many people to afford a decent living.
