MADISON, Wis. – In a move it says will save the company $1 million annually, CUNA Mutual has eliminated 22 housekeeping/grounds positions. The company plans to now outsource for this work. "The decision to outsource was a really difficult one. We didn't decide it without careful study and much consideration," said CUNA Mutual spokesperson Syd Lindner. In an effort to find jobs for the displaced employees, CUNA Mutual has posted nine new positions in other support areas for those 22 employees only to apply for. So far only five have applied. It's also looking at temporary positions those employees could fill. Displaced employees have the ability to be put on callback; or can take a severance package that includes up to 26 weeks of pay and extended benefits. Lindner said the cuts are due in part to the company not meeting its 2001 projections mainly due to 9/11 and the poor economy. CUNA Mutual employs a total of 5,000 worldwide, including 2,500 in Wisconsin. The displaced employees were union members of OPEIU Local 39. CUNA Mutual has approximately 1,700 union employees. Lindner said the company plans to outsource for the housekeeping work to local firm CleanPower. It is still evaluating ground services companies.