University of Southern California Cuts 1,198 Jobs in Consumer Discretionary Sector
USC recorded at least 1,198 layoffs since May 2024; two other Consumer Discretionary notices account for 152 additional cuts.
Lede
The Consumer Discretionary sector recorded several workforce reductions dated in the October 17–18, 2026 reporting window, led by University of Southern California, which has documented at least 1,198 layoffs since May 2024, according to Annenberg Media. Two other records — a WARN filing for Ritz‑Carlton, Bal Harbour and a historical closure at Hard Rock Cafe in Boston — account for a combined 152 job cuts.
Reported layoffs
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University of Southern California — 1,198 employees affected. Annenberg Media reported that USC implemented multiple rounds of layoffs beginning in May 2024 and, per compiled California WARN letters cited by Annenberg Media, has laid off at least 1,198 people across most schools, including Keck, Viterbi and Dornsife. The reporting notes university statements that administrative headcount was reduced by more than 100 positions and cites structural financial pressures and accounting changes as part of USC’s stated rationale.
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Ritz‑Carlton, Bal Harbour — 108 employees affected. A WARN filing with state regulators lists 108 job cuts tied to the Bal Harbour property; the filing included the employer notice as reported by the state WARN submission.
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Hard Rock Cafe (Boston, MA) — 44 employees affected. Hoodline reported that the Clinton Street Boston location permanently closed on June 26, 2022, resulting in 44 layoffs connected to that lease‑related closure.
Closing
These entries total 1,350 reported job cuts in the supplied records for the Consumer Discretionary sector. Each figure above is drawn from the cited reporting or government filing: Annenberg Media for the USC totals, a state WARN filing for Ritz‑Carlton, Bal Harbour, and Hoodline for the Hard Rock Cafe Boston closure.