Release Date: 2005/10/10

Cape Town – Retail chain Clicks was on Monday trading out of all its stores, as the SACCAWU-led strike over wage demands entered its fourth day.

Michael Harvey, brand leader of Clicks, said a few sporadic labour incidents were reported on Friday and over the weekend, mainly in Gauteng stores. This led to stores being closed for brief periods to resolve the issues before re-opening.

Clicks has offered a wage increase of R225 per month to its staff within the bargaining unit. This is an increase of 8,8% over 2004 and well above the current inflation rate of 4,9%. All permanent employees of Clicks also participate in a performance bonus scheme which is based on the results of their particular store.

He said the CCMA had finalised strike rules with the parties on Saturday. “Striking workers will now be allowed limited access to our stores. The onus is on union officials to ensure that workers conduct themselves properly and are confined to the demarcated areas in the stores.”

“Our priority is to minimise inconvenience and disruption to our customers and our contingency plans appear to be operating effectively. We would like to thank our customers for their continued support over the first few days of the strike and ask for their understanding during this unsettling time,” he said.

Harvey said about 70% to 80% of staff within the bargaining unit in Gauteng stores remained off work, while the number of staff staying away in the coastal areas had reduced from around 50% to about 30% on Monday. Striking workers will not be paid for the period they are not at work.

The Clicks strike does not impact on the other brands in the New Clicks stable, such as Discom, Musica and The Body Shop.

Ends
Issued by Tier 1 Investor Relations on behalf of the Clicks Group
For further information kindly contact
Graeme Lillie, Tier 1 Investor Relations 021 702 3102 / 082 468 1507