work discrimination

[maikz]

My husband was able to pass all the required tests and interviews and already submitted all needed documents for his employment as an Assistant Operations Manager. Until there was a delay on the date of his employement start when he was diagnosed as hepatitis B carrier. The internal doctor in the hospital gave him a medical clearance stating "fit to work" since his liver is healthy though he has the virus in his body but tagged as inactive. So, he submitted the medical report to the company's in-house doctor and she herself issued a clearance. A day or two, the personnel dept of the company called my husband saying they're terminating his application for the reason that the division head is turning him down because of his hepatitis B illness. It wa like a nightmare for my husband and the family because he has already resigned from the old company as the new company gave the gosignal already. Is there a legal chance for my husband to get the new job? Please be advised. My husband resides in the Philippines. Thank you so much and more power.....

[nicter]

My son auditioned for and got a position as an entertainer on a large american cruise liner. He was due to fly out to USA from uk this week. Prior to joining the ship he had to have a medical so thankfully he had the hep b test done here in uk ( Hes a chronic carrier from a child). Having forwarded  blood results to said cruise company he recieved a phone call telling him he was no longer being offered a contract due to his Hep B status. He has a letter from his gp stating he is a negligible risk to anyone. I am incensed by this and only wish I could take these guys on legally but what hope against a huge company

[Jac567]

Thank you so much for the reply.....up to now, my husband's feeling down and still waiting for any positive response from the new company.  We're looking forward to hearing good results though.  Again, your posting is well appreciated...thanks...Regards

When I read your post my blood boiled with rage as I have been in that same position, it is not nice, makes you feel dirty and unworthy... Tell your hubby he went through the test and got the interview so they clearly liked what they saw. Ignorant so and so's.. Keep fighting and if your Hubby has not got a problem with Hep B neither should anyone else. The way I see it is if we all had cancer (I know we are at risk) then people would be a little more understanding. I think we as "HEPPIES" (see I have invented a new word")have to educate the rest of them.. good luck to you and hubby.

[maikz]

Thank you so much for the reply.....up to now, my husband's feeling down and still waiting for any positive response from the new company.  We're looking forward to hearing good results though.  Again, your posting is well appreciated...thanks...Regards....

[cajim]

Excellent posting.  Thanks.

[Jac567]

Hi Makiz. The same thing happened to me on more than one occassion and to be honest I got through the medical ok but personnel had a problem with my Hepatitis B status. Fight them and make them justify their behaviour. There is a lot of fear and ignorance surrounding Hepatitis and I am amazed just how many people don't understand it even in the medical profession. I was once asked how long I was off drugs !!. I appreciate some of us get infected that way but I got this disease at birth and I was angry that an assumption that anyone with Hep B must be a Junkie. I don't think anyone has a monopoly on ownership of disease whether it Hep A B C D E F G ...... or any of the sub types. I think what is important is that we collectively (whether you have B or C) fight for better treatment for all. I would say while treatment is geting better attitudes are not. I gave up a career in the medical profession because of this disease. Now I tell people on a need to know basis and it is risky. I hope your hubby gets another job and lets hope his new employer is more educated about hepatitis. If he is capable of doing the job then he should not have been discriminated against. You need to find out when the decision to let him go happened and why - get it in writing - then get you doctor and their medical people to back him up as been fit for work the onus will be on your hubby to prove he was discriminated against. I am uncertain about law but I think anyone who has a long term disease and has suffered for longer than six months is protected under the Disability Discrimination Act (in Europe). This goes for us all not just your hubby.

[cajim]

His treatment was very unfair and it happens frequently in China.  Sadly most individuals felt too weak to fight a company and gave up.  Not sure how law-abiding Phillippines is.  You may consult a lawyer familiar with your country's discrimination law.

Best.