San Francisco initiates investigation into Sky Chefs for Healthy Airport Ordinance violations

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on significant violations of the Healthy Airport Ordinance, which mandates that employers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) provide free, high-quality family healthcare to airport service employees. This ordinance, co-authored by Supervisor Mandelmann and Supervisor Walton, was unanimously passed by the board in November 2024, aiming to improve healthcare access for low-wage workers such as cabin cleaners, luggage handlers, and food preparation staff.

During the meeting, Supervisor Mandelmann highlighted that approximately 300 workers employed by Sky Chefs, a catering services contractor at SFO, are currently without healthcare. Sky Chefs has reportedly attempted to evade compliance with the ordinance by relocating 60% of its workforce to a facility in San Jose, where the healthcare requirements do not apply, and wages are approximately $4 less per hour than at SFO. This move has resulted in these workers being denied the same family healthcare benefits as their counterparts at SFO.

The Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) has initiated an investigation into Sky Chefs for potential violations of the Healthy Airport Ordinance, as well as the Healthcare Accountability Ordinance and the Minimum Compensation Ordinance. Director Pat Mulligan reported that Sky Chefs has not fully cooperated with the investigation, leading to a notice of violation for failure to cooperate. The OLSE maintains that Sky Chefs is required to comply with the healthcare ordinances at both its SFO and San Jose facilities.

The meeting also included discussions on the consequences of Sky Chefs' non-compliance and failure to cooperate with the investigation. Supervisor Haney raised concerns about the implications for Sky Chefs' ability to continue contracting with the city, emphasizing the need for accountability in enforcing labor laws.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue the investigation and ensure that workers receive the rights and protections they deserve. The OLSE plans to issue findings in the near future, and further actions will be determined based on the results of the investigation.