News Summary
Winthrop University has announced a shift in its food service operations, transitioning from Sodexo to Chartwells, resulting in approximately 177 job losses. The layoffs, effective at the end of July, impact various roles including cooks and cashiers. The university’s leadership emphasizes that this change aims to address staffing challenges rather than simply cutting costs. Chartwells will offer interviews to displaced Sodexo employees for potential job opportunities. This decision reflects a larger trend of job reductions in the region while maintaining a steady unemployment rate.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Winthrop University has announced a significant change in its food service operations that will result in approximately 177 job losses at its current food vendor, Sodexo. The university has selected Chartwells, a division of Compass Group USA, to take over food services following a comprehensive bidding process.
The job cuts, which are scheduled to take effect on Thursday, July 31, will primarily affect roles at the Sodexo operation at Winthrop University. According to the WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice filed by Sodexo, the layoffs include 55 cashiers, 22 utility workers, 18 food service workers, 17 cooks, and 15 baristas. Managerial and supervisory positions will also be impacted by this restructuring.
Winthrop President Edward Serna stated that the decision to switch vendors was made, not as a cost-cutting measure, but to address staffing challenges in the context of a strong labor market. In previous communications this spring, Serna had informed faculty and staff of potential job cuts connected to outsourcing as part of facilities changes, although initial estimates regarding the number of layoffs were lower.
In an effort to support displaced workers, provisions have been made for the new vendor, Chartwells, to interview affected Sodexo employees for potential job opportunities within its own operations. Chartwells boasts a reputation for prioritizing meaningful relationships and community interactions, promoting high-tech, food-infused social spaces at over 320 colleges and universities nationwide.
Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, serves nearly 5,000 students and employs more than 650 staff members. The job losses specifically pertain to the university’s operations and do not extend to Sodexo’s services with local educational institutions, such as the Rock Hill School District, where they continue to employ over 115 individuals.
This workforce reduction is part of a larger trend in South Carolina, which has seen a total of 25 WARN notices issued in 2023, impacting over 3,200 jobs across various sectors. The current WARN notice affecting Winthrop is the first such notification concerning job losses in York, Lancaster, or Chester counties this year. Similar WARN notices have been reported this year involving layoffs by Chartwells and Sodexo in different parts of South Carolina.
As of mid-July, South Carolina maintains an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which aligns with the national average. While this transition marks a significant shift for Winthrop University and its employees, the university’s leadership is taking steps to facilitate a smooth transition and support those affected during this challenging time.
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