On March 12, 2025, Gate Gourmet delivered troubling news to hundreds of its employees at San Francisco International Airport ( SFO ). The airline catering giant announced that it would be laying off 835 workers, making it the largest mass layoff in California so far this year. The company cited "the recent loss of a customer account" as the primary reason for this drastic workforce reduction.
A sudden blow to SFO airport workers As reported by KRON4 , a local news outlet based in San Francisco, the layoffs will primarily impact food preparers, dishroom attendants, and equipment setup personnel. Many of these workers are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Unite Here Local 2 unions. The layoffs, which are permanent according to the company, are scheduled to take effect on May 13.
The company explained to California's Employment Development Department through a supporting letter that the lost customer account would severely affect their business operations, thus requiring workforce reductions and worksite relocation. Gate Gourmet did not disclose the specific account but confirmed to local media SFGate that United Airlines' new catering strategy required operational changes. United Airlines has historically been Gate Gourmet's largest contract at SFO, suggesting a significant reshuffling of airline catering services at the airport.
United's operations are currently between Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. It is worth noting that .