Mass Layoffs At SCSU Food Services

NEW HAVEN, CT — Southern Connecticut State University has terminated its food service contract with Chartwells, resulting in 182 layoffs, according to documents filed with the Connecticut Department of Labor. The document states the university informed Chartwells of the contract termination July 3 and that the layoffs will be permanent.

The statement reads in part: "In accordance with CT State and Federal WARN notification requirements, a decision has been made to discontinue Chartwells Higher Education’s food service contract at Southern Connecticut State University. Unfortunately, this decision will result in the permanent closure of Chartwells Higher Education’s entire operations at this location (contract termination) and resulted in the termination of Chartwells Higher Education’s employees at this location, effective 6/30/2020. The Company was notified by Southern Connecticut State University on July 3, 2020 that our contract had been cancelled; therefore, we are providing the WARN Notices as soon as possible. Bumping rights do not apply as a result of this closure."

The hourly employees affected by this move are represented by UNITE Here 217.

It is not clear exactly what precipitated the university's move to terminate the contract with Chartwells.

The four regional universities can bring residential and commuter students to their campuses starting Aug 24. Classes will run through Thanksgiving with a hybrid of in-person and online classes. Plans on how to move students back in to dormitories are still being worked out.

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CT Colleges Release Fall Reopening Plans