#United States #Jacksonville #Paradies Lagardère #Jacksonville Airport #UNITE HERE Local 40

Jacksonville Aviation Authority's Bold Decision

In an impactful meeting on November 17, 2025, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) decided to sever ties with Paradies Lagardère when it comes to new retail concessions at the bustling Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). The contract for these services has instead been awarded to Marshall Retail Group. This shift marks a significant moment for the airport, one that reflects the voices of the local community and highlights the importance of ethical labor practices in commercial partnerships.

Community Outcry and Concerns

The JAA's decision came on the heels of widespread opposition regarding Paradies Lagardère from the community, particularly voiced by UNITE HERE Local 40, a union representing workers in various sectors, including hospitality and concessions. Concerns about the treatment of employees, coupled with health inspection violations linked to Paradies, created a perfect storm for community advocacy.

An impressive effort saw over 500 letters flood in from Duval County voters directed at the JAA leadership and the Jacksonville City Council, all echoing sentiments shared by UNITE HERE Local 40. In addition, the North Florida Central Labor Council, representing thousands of working families, formally requested that the JAA reconsider its relationship with the company. This strong communal pressure prompted at least four city council members, including Vice President Nick Howland, to bring constituents’ concerns directly to the attention of JAA CEO Mark Vanloh.

The Results of Advocacy

The intensity of community activism made its mark. The persistence in urging the authority to end its partnership with Paradies Lagardère stemmed from various grievances, including a notoriously low score under JAA’s Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) criteria, which assesses businesses on their engagement and support for small and minority-owned enterprises. With Paradies’ track record being scrutinized, JAA was compelled to look at alternative partners better aligned with their evolving standards.

Currently, Paradies operates seven retail units within JAX, but this agreement has entered a precarious phase, described by JAA as being on a month-to-month holdover status. Advocacy groups are now calling for an urgent end to this arrangement, demanding a transition to operators that demonstrate better commitments to labor relations, employee welfare, and engagement with local businesses. UNITE HERE Local 40 continues to push for an overhaul of partnership arrangements to ensure that the JAA’s operations align with a more socially responsible and economically beneficial approach for Jacksonville residents.

Looking Ahead

As the Jacksonville community rallies for change, the JAA has an opportunity to reinforce its status as an economic powerhouse, committed to improving conditions not only at JAX but across the wider Jacksonville area. UNITE HERE Local 40 has reiterated its call for JAA to work with operators who share their vision of promoting healthy labor relations and sustainable economic practices.

Moreover, an additional push from the union was sent towards Vancouver International Airport, where they represent several concessions workers, urging them to be cautious in awarding new contracts to Paradies Lagardère, thereby preventing any similar situations from unfolding.

As the landscape for airport concessions continues to evolve, the actions taken by the JAA may pave the way for changes across the airport industry, establishing higher benchmarks for corporate social responsibility and community engagement.