Federal Law - WARN Act
Does my employer owe me 60 days notice?
The federal WARN Act requires certain employers to give 60 calendar days advance written notice before mass layoffs or plant closings.
Who is covered?
- Employers with 100 or more full-time employees
- Mass layoffs of 500 or more workers at one site
- Layoffs of 50 to 499 if 33% or more of workforce
- Full plant closures affecting 50 or more employees
- Part-time workers under 20 hrs/week are excluded
What are you owed if violated?
Back pay and benefits for up to 60 days per day of violation, plus civil penalties up to $500/day. You may need to file a federal lawsuit - consult an employment attorney promptly as deadlines apply.
State Mini-WARN laws
California, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois have stronger laws with lower thresholds. Always check your state DOL even if federal WARN does not apply to your situation.