By Kuvee Kangueehi Windhoek The wave of retrenchments and restructuring exercises that have plagued the Namibian labour market claimed another 78 victims last month following restructuring at Commercial Investment Holding (CIC). The Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (Nafau) at a media briefing revealed that CIC last month retrenched 98 employees. The workers were requested to re-apply for the same jobs but only four were considered for re-employment out of 80 applications. Addressing the press on Tuesday, Nafau Secretary General Kiros Sackarias said 78 former employees of CIC have now joined the army of unemployed Namibians. He added that the company also deposited un-negotiated exit packages into the employees’ bank accounts without the employees’ consent. The secretary general fumed that CIC terminated their recognition agreement illegally, claiming that the union had violated the agreement. Sackarias said outsourcing of the company’s warehouse led to the retrenchments, adding that the person who spearheaded the restructuring process has been rewarded with a human resources managerial position. “It is obvious that the person who spearheaded the so-called restructuring exercise had an interest in the process as he was a jobseeker himself.” He noted that union members are consulting among themselves to consider possible action. “CIC should be warned that we are on our way to seek justice right at their doors sooner than later.” The union boss said that retrenchments are also taking place at Windhoek Schlacterei and a number of employees including the president of Nafau Abel Kazondunge have been informed that their applications have not been successful. Nafau warned that there could be chaos in the country if situations such as these continue unabated. On the issue of the 23 employees that were dismissed at the Aranos Abattoir in February, Sackarias said to date all the affected employees have not been afforded an opportunity to appeal. He noted that the employees were dismissed unfairly for refusing to slaughter sheep contrary to the normal procedures. He said the Aranos Abattoir has also terminated its recognition agreement without notice. “We are demanding the company reinstate all 23 employees without further delay.” Sackarias also bemoaned the fact that employers are targeting union members and said at Rosh Pinah five shop stewards from the CCM Company have been suspended. He said the five shop stewards have been notified of a disciplinary hearing for handing over a petition to management. The shop stewards handed over the petition during the lunch break and did not disturb production. “Looking at all the happenings, our conclusion is that the employers are now busy trying to increase unemployment in the country.”