South African trade union Solidarity partnered with American company Propay Prime U.S. to export information technology skills to the United States, following the stalling of government trade negotiations. The agreement enables skilled South Africans to work remotely for U.S. companies and earn in U.S. dollars while residing in South Africa. The union has developed an online platform to connect professionals with international employers and plans to launch a staffing agency to facilitate the export of remote skills.
The initial phase focuses on online IT skills, but aims to expand to finance, online education, communications, design, engineering, project management, and administration. Solidarity aims to create thousands of employment opportunities over the next five years, free from discriminatory barriers. The partnership recognizes South African workers' strong work ethic as highly sought after in the U.S. market. The union describes the arrangement as a successful micro-trade agreement that creates a new sector for skills export.
The initial phase focuses on online IT skills, but aims to expand to finance, online education, communications, design, engineering, project management, and administration. Solidarity aims to create thousands of employment opportunities over the next five years, free from discriminatory barriers. The partnership recognizes South African workers' strong work ethic as highly sought after in the U.S. market. The union describes the arrangement as a successful micro-trade agreement that creates a new sector for skills export.
