160 Workers At Fairfield U Affected By Food Service Change

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield University is in the process of switching food service providers, a decision that will affect 164 workers, according to the state Department of Labor.

Current provider Sodexo was informed by the school June 15 that its contract would be terminated July 15, according to a notice provided to the state’s Dislocated Worker Unit. With the contract termination, frontline Sodexo employees at the school would be laid off on or before July 15, while Sodexo management workers could remain in their jobs as late as Aug. 12.

While those workers will no longer be employed by Sodexo, it is possible the university’s food service staff may be able to continue working at the school under the new food service provider.

“I’m happy to say that we are in conversations with the new food service operator, and are optimistic that our workers will be able to transition into the incoming company,” said Ian Dunn, of Unite Here Local 217, which represents the Fairfield University food service workers.

A spokeswoman for the school did not say in a statement provided to Patch who the new contractor would be.

“Fairfield University is evaluating food services providers and has no further comment at this time,” Jennifer Anderson, vice president of marketing and communication, said in a prepared statement.