FAIRFIELD, CT – Fairfield University is in the process of changing food service providers, a move that will affect 164 workers, according to the state Department of Labor.
Current supplier Sodexo was told by the school on June 15 that its contract would be terminated on July 15, according to a notice provided to the state’s Dislocated Workers Unit. With the termination of the contract, Sodexo’s frontline employees at the school would be laid off by July 15, while Sodexo executives could stay on until August 12.
Although these workers will be employed by Sodexo for a longer period of time, it is possible that the university’s food service staff may continue to work at the school under the new food service provider.
“I am happy to say that we are in talks with the new foodservice operator and are optimistic that our workers will be able to transition to the new company,” said Ian Dunn, of Unite Here Local 217, who represents the Fairfield Workers food service academics.
A spokesperson for the school did not respond by email when asked who the new entrepreneur would be.
“Fairfield University is evaluating food service providers and has no further comment at this time,” Jennifer Anderson, vice president of marketing and communications, said in a statement.