A recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed in Washington state outlines workforce reductions impacting 135 workers tied to operations in Seattle and at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), driven in part by a concession contract expiration. The filing details adjustments occurring as airport dining operations transition and long-standing retail contracts shift, affecting roles ranging from baristas and utility personnel to general managers.
Airport Concession Changes and Terminal A Closure
The workforce adjustments follow a competitive bidding process managed by the Port of Seattle for dining and retail spaces at SEA Airport. Under the transition, a Starbucks location in Terminal A - operated by airport concessionaire HMSHost - is slated to close following the expiration of its lease agreement. Layoffs: Real Food From The Ground Up Plant to Close in US, 93 Jobs Cut.
According to filings submitted to the Washington Employment Security Department, the Terminal A closure and associated reductions are scheduled to take effect between late December and mid-January. Affected positions at the airport location include frontline baristas, shift supervisors, and operational staff. In its WARN notice, Starbucks said that the affected "employees are represented by a union and they may have bumping rights".
Context Behind the WARN Filing
While airport store closures stem from local concession and leasing decisions rather than corporate coffeehouse cutbacks, the WARN notice encompasses broader regional staffing updates. Starbucks representatives noted that the company maintains a significant presence across other operating sites at SEA Airport and intends to explore opportunities to expand its footprint in future airport development cycles. Ghost of Yotei Developer Sucker Punch Hit by Staff Layoffs.
Next Steps for Affected Workers
Union representatives and local agencies are coordinating support services for the impacted employees. Workers affected by the concession change include members represented by local hospitality unions, with discussions underway regarding potential placement options across other operating venues or severance support provisions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2026 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
