How to Notify Required Parties of Impending Layoff or Reduction in Force (RIF) Under the WARN Act

Author: Rebecca Sipowicz

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the WARN Act) requires employers to provide advance notice of mass layoffs and plant closings to affected workers and their families. The purpose of the advance notification provisions is to protect affected employees, ease their transition into new employment, and ease the burden on their families. When an employer has determined that it is covered by the WARN Act, the next inquiry becomes whether the WARN Act applies to a particular layoff or RIF. Employers should review the WARN Act Quick Reference chart to determine if they are covered by the statute and if the statute requires advance notice for their impending mass layoff or RIF. A covered employer must provide 60 days' advance notice of an upcoming mass layoff or RIF in particular circumstances. If the employer is a covered entity and notice is required, this document will enable the employer to comply with the notification provisions of the WARN Act.