Abraham Katz, president of the International Organisation of Employers will speak at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess next week.

As described by the Bermuda Employers' Council (BEC) his presence is a genuine "coup".

Mr. Katz is known around the world for his efforts as president of the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) and as a result, has gained international respect from unions, governments and employers' groups.

"He has spent over 50 years in this (field) and is extremely knowledgeable," said BEC president William DeSilva.

"He's somebody that is extremely well respected by unions, by governments and by employers' groups. This is a real coup for Bermuda because our representation comes via the United Kingdom. We're not an independent nation so that's the route that it goes."

In May, Mr. Katz was named president of the IOE, an international organisation of which the BEC is an affiliate, consisting of 143 national employer organisations from 138 countries. He is also employer vice chairman of the Employment and Social Policy Committee of the tripartite International Labour Organisation's governing body. Bermuda regularly sends a delegation to Geneva to participate in the International Labour Organisation conference. This year, representatives of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, the Bermuda Industrial Union, and the Bermuda Employers' Council, travelled to the 95th session which, according to former Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton, could prove of great benefit to the industrial relations scene in Bermuda.

"We don't always announce (our events) to the public but if there's anybody interested in coming to hear him speak, we're certainly happy to have them," said Mr. DeSilva.

Those interested in attending should contact the Bermuda Employers' Council on 295-5070.