President Jacob Zuma today met with the leadership of the Service Employees International Union, (SEIU), and North American union with more than 2.2 million members across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
The union delegation also included United States actor and social activist, Mr Danny Glover, who is the Chairman of the TransAfrica Forum. The SEIU delegation was led by its President, Mr Andrew Stern. President Zuma was accompanied by the Minister of Economic Development, Mr Ebrahim Patel.
The union represents workers in the service sector, including public services, health care and security services.
The top leaders of SEIU are visiting South Africa to learn more about the political, economic and social dynamics of the country. The delegation is specifically interested in the situation of workers and unions, as well as how the policies of the South African government will position the country in the global economy.
The SEIU has a partnership with a South African union (SATAWU) to organise workers in global security services companies.
The meeting discussed the following amongst others:
* How South Africa can access the provident and pension funds of progressive labour unions in the United States of America (USA) through investment in projects that will address South Africa’s development objectives
* Promotion of inward, foreign direct investment, for example encouraging American companies to invest in South Africa to create decent work
* To encourage tourism by American workers into South Africa.
Mr Glover, who was wearing a suit made by South African Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) workers, emphasised his support for the ongoing interaction, which builds on historical relations forged during the struggle against apartheid.
President Zuma and Minister Patel undertook to ensure ongoing dialogue to ensure that the discussions and idea bear fruit.
SEIU delegation to South Africa:
* Andrew Stern: SEIU President
* Anna Burger: SEIU Secretary-Treasurer
* Bruce Raynor: SEIU Executive Vice-President
* George Gresham: SEIU Vice President
* Keith Kelleher: SEIU Vice President
* Yvonne Walker: SEIU Vice President
* Danny Glover: Chairman, TransAfrica Forum; International Human Rights Activist and actor
* James Early: Trans Africa Forum; Director Cultural Heritage Policy Centre for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
* Dr Steven Safyer: CEO Montefiori Medical Center of New York
* Carl Leinonen: Regional Director, SEIU Global Organising Department
Enquiries:
Matshepo Seedat
Cell: 082 679 9473
Issued by: The Presidency
3 February 2010
