Hairdresser accuses Ricky Reyes salon of firing him due to HIV

A former hairdresser is suing the Ricky Reyes Corporation for firing him after being diagnosed with HIV.

"Nung nagkasakit ako ng TB, kasi pinapahinga niya ako ng six months na may sahod. Binigyan pa niya ako ng vitamins. (Pero) parang sarado yung isip niya sa sakit na HIV," Rene Nocos told GMA's "24 Oras" on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old hairdresser added that the company stopped paying his SSS and PhilHealth contributions since he was put on paid leave.

But according to the company, it merely advised Nocos to take a break to recover after the Gandang Ricky Reyes Salon branch he worked in was shut down.

"His illness has been on and off and sad to say, the salon was not doing good since it started... so management decided to close shop. But Mr. Nocos demanded to still have his salary in full which management declined," the company stated.

Nocos filed charges of discrimination, illegal dismissal, underpayment of wages and 13th month pay, and non-payment of holiday pay and separation pay before the National Labor Relations Commission.



Labor Spokesperson Nicon Fameronag refused to comment on the incident but added that sickness that could affect one's co-workers at risk is grounds for dismissal.

"Ang pagkakaroon ng isang karamdaman, lalo na kung ito'y delikado para sa kasamahan niya sa paggawa, ay isa sa mga tinatawag nating authorized causes na dahilan upang ma-separate ka sa iyong employment," Fameronag said.

Department of Health (DOH) Spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy said individuals with HIV were still perfectly capable of working in public as it can only be contracted through specific means.

"Kung unprotected sex, halimbawa, with someone who's been diagnosed with HIV. Pwede rin sa blood transfusion, illegal pricking, lalo na sa intravenous drugs. Or sa nanay papunta sa anak niya," Suy clarified. -Rie Takumi/NB, GMA News