This Geek

Attention Edcon Customers, originally uploaded by This Geek.

The full text says:

Dear Edcon Customer

Regarding the anticipated nationwide mass action in our stores in June 2005, our responsibility is to inform you as fully as possible.

Cosatu and SACTWU are demanding that local retailers agree to buy 75% of their product in South Africa as they belive that this will stop job losses in the local clothing and textile industry.

An enforced 75% quota will not create jobs or sustain the industry. It will only force retailers to limit customer’s choice of goods while pushing up the price.

Edcon’s commitment to South African consumers is: CHOICE OF BEST PRODUCT AT BEST PRICE. Therefore, we will not sign any agreement that restricts our consitutional right to trade freely in world markets.

Edcon is committed and ready to work with all stakeholders to help identify real solutions to the problem.

Edcon is not responsible for job losses - in 2004, the group created 2651 jobs in the retail sector alone.

For the past five years, Edcon has increased the amount of money it spends on local product, and the majority of our products are made locally. In 2005 Edcon bought more than 200 million items from South African textile and clothing manufacturers. Our employees enjoy the right to engage in collective bargaining and peaceful mass action, and many are members of Cosatu and affilliated unions. We apologise for any inconvenience and assure you that we have taken every measure possible to ensure that you continue to enjoy your shopping experience with us.

Steve Ross CEO: Edcon