BRUKKAROS Meat Processors (BMP) near Keetmanshoop plans to slash about 40 per cent of its workforce before the end of the year in an effort to cut costs.
Three years back, BMP won a bid to take over the Karas Abattoir and Tannery (KAT) from its majority shareholder, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) after it had run up losses of N$124 million over five years. BMP managing director Salomon Nemaire yesterday said a 20 per cent increase in the lamb price since July, and the strengthening South African rand against the US dollar, necessitated the planned layoff of about 80 workers. ‘We have to restructure the cost profile of the company to match the current economic environment,’ said Nemaire. Nemaire added that the company employed more than the required staff when compared with other abattoirs. The abattoir’s workers were given until tomorrow to apply for voluntarily retrenchment. Some of the workers The Namibian spoke to claimed the company had failed to follow the correct process of retrenchment – a claim Nemaire rejected. Nemaire said the union and the company management discussed the planned retrenchment last week and the company had also notified the Labour Commissioner.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
