Quantcast

Gate Gourmet announces mass layoff; LSG Sky Chefs offers rehiring opportunity

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Gate Gourmet announces mass layoff; LSG Sky Chefs offers rehiring opportunity
Policy
Webp received 1302442314351211
Christoph Schmitz Chief Executive Officer at Gate Gourmet | Gate Gourmet Website

On March 12, 2025, Gate Gourmet announced the layoff of 835 employees at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), marking the largest mass layoff in California this year. The company attributed the decision to "the recent loss of a customer account." These layoffs primarily affect food preparers, dishroom attendants, and equipment setup personnel. Many workers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Unite Here Local 2 unions.

The layoffs are scheduled to take effect on May 13. Gate Gourmet informed California's Employment Development Department that losing a customer account necessitated workforce reductions and worksite relocation. Although the specific account was not disclosed, United Airlines' new catering strategy prompted operational changes. Historically, United Airlines has been Gate Gourmet's largest contract at SFO.

Concerns have arisen regarding compliance with federal employment law regulations due to these staff reductions. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires businesses with over 100 employees to notify them about major closures or layoffs at least 60 days in advance. Gate Gourmet issued its WARN notice on March 12, meeting this requirement.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

However, Strauss Borrelli PLLC is investigating whether Gate Gourmet fully complied with all WARN Act provisions. Employees affected by violations may be entitled to severance pay and benefits for up to 60 days.

Despite initial concerns, there is hope for laid-off workers as LSG Sky Chefs plans to rehire most of them. Ted Waechter from Unite Here Local 2 confirmed that LSG Sky Chefs intends to hire former Gate Gourmet employees. Kimberly Plaskett from LSG Sky Chefs stated they plan on "hiring personnel that includes former employees of Gate Gourmet."

San Francisco International Airport's worker retention policy plays a significant role in protecting these workers by requiring new contractors to hire employees from previous contractors during transitions. This policy ensures continuity of service and job security while maintaining service quality for airlines and passengers.

Additionally, California's Employment Development Department offers unemployment insurance benefits and job search assistance for qualified workers who lost their jobs without personal responsibility. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides funding opportunities for workplace training courses that enhance employability.

As air traffic expands at SFO, skilled catering workers will likely find strong employment prospects in this evolving market focused on high-quality inflight dining experiences.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

IndiGo has launched a new service from Mumbai to Seychelles, marking the first Indian carrier to operate this route in two decades.

Apr 1, 2025

Delta Air Lines has made changes to its flight operations between Detroit and Los Angeles, removing the Airbus A350-900 from the route's schedule.

Apr 1, 2025

Allegiant Air has announced the appointment of Victor Cipolla as manager of Inflight Training Operations.

Mar 31, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the official launch of a global cabin crew training program by Ethiopian Aviation University.

Mar 31, 2025

Atlas Air has announced that certified flight instructors from the Atlas Cadet Academy have commenced hands-on professional development at the Atlas Training Center.

Mar 31, 2025

Hector Nazario, the husband of Kenia Nazario, who is employed at Flying Food Group (FFG), expressed concerns about the union Unite Here.

Mar 31, 2025