Jan. 21: Staffing woes disrupt operations for new Omaha airport vendor

Plum Market, the Omaha Airport Authority’s new concessionaire, is facing staffing challenges as it works to improve food options at Eppley Airfield during ongoing renovations. 

Despite raising wages for cashiers from $13.50 to $15 an hour and adding shift incentives for early morning shifts, the company has struggled to fill positions. “The main challenge we’ve had here is paying people to work in the airport,” said Plum Market’s operating manager, who contrasted Omaha’s hiring difficulties with cities like Atlanta, where applicants outnumber available jobs. Still, the manager praised Omaha’s workforce, noting, “The work ethic in Omaha is better than in other cities.”

The board also reviewed ongoing construction progress, including a glass canopy connecting the parking garage to the terminal and planned terminal divisions. Concerns about quality control in the renovations were raised by board member John Henderson, who noted missed opportunities to enhance passengers’ experiences amid the disruption. Plum Market has responded to passenger frustrations over limited grab-and-go options by introducing hot breakfast service and investing in additional training for staff. However, issues such as delays during the December vendor transition and the absence of a dual-badge system for employees — common in other airports — have further complicated operations.

Passenger traffic at Eppley Airfield has rebounded strongly, with a 5% year-over-year increase to 5.3 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and setting a new record above 2018 figures. The Omaha Airport Authority, now holding meetings at Metro Community College’s Fort Omaha campus due to renovations, plans to remain there for up to two-and-a-half years. The meeting concluded without public comment.

Meeting documented by Anthony J. Zarzycki

Read full meeting notes here

By Omaha Documenters

Omaha Documenters is a program that empowers citizens to actively participate in local governance by documenting public meetings. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability by making critical information accessible to the community, fostering informed public discourse, and promoting civic engagement. Through its network of dedicated Documenters, the program bridges the gap between government entities and the public, ensuring that decisions affecting the community are transparent and inclusive. For more information and to get involved, visit documenters.org.

By Leah Keinama

Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.

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