New Caterer at Airport Asked to Retain Workers

Burbank Airport’s ruling body Monday came to the support of airport food-service workers who are in danger of losing their jobs because the airport hired a new catering company.

The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority urged the new firm to retain about 50 food-service workers after hearing from their representatives and supporters. The group picketed the terminal building before the authority’s regular meeting Monday, then entered the meeting room to make their plea.

The 50 or so airport workers face possible dismissal because the airport authority has ended its food service contract with Greyhound Food Management.

In January, the airport authority negotiated a new food-service concession contract with Host International, a subsidiary of the Marriott Corp. The contract is effective July 1. Host International is advertising for new employees.

Local 11 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union, AFL-CIO asked asked Host International to give the present airport workers priority in filling the jobs

Host International representatives declined to comment.

Commissioner Leland Ayers of Burbank introduced a motion calling on Host International to hire the current employees where possible. The motion passed unanimously.