Due to a reduction of business after this semester’s move to mostly virtual classes, Sodexo announced the closure of multiple units across campus resulting in a layoff of 94 workers.
The company was required to notify the state of any mass layoffs due to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act in order to help workers access assistance more easily.
Workers were informed of the layoff and notice was sent to the Tennessee Department of Labor on Aug. 14, according to Kelvin Tarukwasha, general manager of Sodexo’s university segment.
“We looked at the number of students that normally would be on campus, which is pretty much, you know, typically the full population on campus and then compare that to what’s really happening on campus with only a certain percentage of students able to stay,” said Tarukwasha. “A certain percentage of classes are online, so basically that’s what led us to decide we only need these locations to adequately service them.”
The majority of Sodexo-run services were closed this semester, leaving the dining hall, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Steak ‘n Shake and Roger’s Bucmart open. Workers in closed locations were relocated across Sodexo units, but those that couldn’t be moved were laid off and received assistance with filing for unemployment.
While the initial 94 layoffs were filed, the numbers have been reduced as programs are implemented across campus.
As meal exchange was integrated into campus dining, 23 of the affected workers returned to support the program. Thirty six of those laid off were student workers who were unable to return to campus this semester. Out of the remaining 35 workers, 16 were full-time and 19 were part-time. As business moves back onto campus, however, Sodexo plans to focus on bringing back laid off workers on a first-out first-in basis.
“It’s really just based on business needs on our end,” said Tarukwasha. “Where, for example, if there is an opportunity for a cook, I’m just going to look at that group to see who is able to fulfill this role, and then those are the people that we reach out to first.”
For those that remain out of work, Sodexo has measures in place in order to mitigate the impact of unemployment. Access to Lifeworks, Sodexo’s employee assistance partner, is provided to those affected by the layoff as well as regular employees to help coordinate resources for any who lack them. Lifeworks’ services range from emotional and financial counseling to coordinating childcare for those impacted by stress or layoffs.
For more information regarding Sodexo’s role on campus, visit https://etsu.sodexomyway.com/
